It is the same. Every year, at this time, I go over my checklist to make sure I didn't forget anything. Mailed outgoing packages: check...Christmas cards written out: check...Gifts Wrapped: check... Cookies made: check... Prime Rib ordered: check... Airport runs coordinated: check... Wine bought: check ... House cleaned: Almost..... While visions of sugar plums dance in my head...

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My elves are helping me wrap. We are on a mission! The wrapped packages that are being done now are destined for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Every year, thousands upon thousands of gifts are given to needy children and the elderly. Almost every person in the US is familiar with the Angel Trees at the local Walmart or mall hallways with trees, and paper angels with names on them hanging off of them. D you have that program where you live?

When I became interested in donating to the Angel Program, I went to a store that sponsored the tree and removed a paper angel from the tree, adopting it. It has a first name, age, and suggestions on things they need. This is helpful so that you can purchase and donate an item that is needed instead of guessing. There is a number associated with the paper angel you selected, so you must number your gifts so that they can meet up. When the window is open for the Salvation Army Drop off locations, you can drop off the item(s) for distribution. Normally, I drop them off at the same location where I got the angel to begin with.

As always, there must be flowers to color my world. #alwaysaflower The beauty of the poinsettia is forever engraved on the blockchain. I dedicate this post to all of you. You bring joy to my soul and spread your love across the world. For this, I thank you. And just like that, these musings are done. If I don't see you, I want to wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas. ❤️

An unusual #MarketFriday, but, a market all the same. In light of the season of giving, I Purchased much-needed clothing and a few fun items for a few younger kids. I donated my time and food to the Food Pantry, You never know how lucky you are until you work in one. I am very aware that many people are one check away from being homeless. It is usually not something people choose.

Compassion /kəmˈpaSH(ə)n/ noun
sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
"the victims should be treated with compassion" as per the Oxford dictionary.

Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Some days, it is not as easy to see, just how wonderful it really is. Me, I try to do my part. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.
It started in low. Then it started to grow.
But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!
He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!
Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”

~Dr. Suess