Joy! Joy! Joy!

I love the holidays! It's a time where it's okay to act a little goofey, be a little too happy, give someone a hug or a kiss on the cheek. You get to dress up, go shopping and have get togethers where food and laughter is in abundance! You get to give freely, which is my favorite part of the season... no one should be able to tell you not to give them a present or do something nice for them... it's a holiday rule, isn't it?

It's the season of Giving, not the season of Receiving! So, please don't tell me not to give you something because you can't afford to give me something in return. That's just silly... My mother who is on a fixed income, who gave me life itself is the most giving person I know. She gives and gives year round; she gives whatever she has to anyone in need. When it comes to Christmas, I love to spoil her (I try to do so throughout the year, but this time of year I try to make it special). It's not a competition with my siblings, I don't do it because I want her to spoil me or give me a gift in return, I am certainly not trying to buy her affection... she already loves me. I do it because I love her and enjoy seeing her smile, because I am blessed to be able to do it, and because I find happiness in giving!

What do you have to give? The most precious gifts I've received in my life weren't bought from a store. They were kind deeds, a heart felt letter of thanks and gratitude, something someone gave me that used to belong to them that they cherished, an old book they thought I’d enjoy. The best gifts in life are memories and time spent together… those are gifts I will keep with me through the eternities. The smile on your face, your laugh in my ear, the warmth of your arms around me!

It’s the season of giving, of bringing joy... the season of loving one another!