I write to you from the couch in my quiet living room, while the rest of the house is still asleep.  I will be in a similar position tomorrow morning as I have not been blessed with a child that wakes me up at the crack of dawn.  I will more than likely have to wake her up so that we will have plenty of time to open presents at home before the craziness of the day begins.  For many people, that is what holidays are like.  Not the silence, but the loud, bright, craziness that comes with having family all in one place.  For many this can be an extremely overwhelming time.  We feel the need to make everything absolutely perfect, which is impossible because we are not perfect and that makes us forget about the true purpose for the season.  There is the religious reason for the season, but then there is also the reason of family togetherness.  While I have always dreamed of having a child that wakes me up in the middle of the night to excitedly tell me that Santa came, I have also began to enjoy my tradition of sitting by our Christmas tree with a cup of coffee enjoying the beauty of the lights and the calm before the storm.  I have started to take the time to reflect on the pass year, memories of Christmas past and those who are no longer with me, and to just breath.  So this Christmas, I encourage each of you to find that moment.  You do not need to reflect on  your life if you do not want to, but take that moment to enjoy the holiday and breath.  If your house is too crazy to do it in the morning, stay up for a bit after everyone is asleep.  Can’t find a quiet space inside, wrap up in a blanket and sit on the porch.  You will be amazed what just taking a few moments for yourself during the busy time will do.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!