There is just something about having another person in your life, caring for you as you do them. Family, friends, and the people in between those. Shared memories. Putting up the tree and decorating. Drinking eggnog and eating freshly baked cookies. It's all about tradition and building lifelong memories with your family and the people you love. Tradition is so very important, it gives a a sense of belonging. it gives you a guideline/lifeline I think. So many people look away from "tradition"….. and sometimes, they flounder. I look back on these ornaments from years past, and they fill me with the thoughts and comfort that memories do.

When I think back on the holidays of my upbringing, I tried to recall some of the gifts that I received. I remember a few, but what I do remember is the traditional food we ate, the visiting relatives and friends and the games we played with our cousins. Stringing popcorn with cranberries, picking a Christmas tree, drinking eggnog... So, it has always made sense to me to center my holiday on the on the traditions not the gifts. Memories are the best gift you can give – and those traditions can be passed down through the generations.

20181205_140720 3.jpg

The smell of the fresh cut pinw...gingerbread baking in the oven... the fragrance of cloves, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks simmering on the kitchen stove...I do love this time of year. Tell me, do... what smells remind you of Christmas?

May your heart be filled with the joy of giving, as it is the expression of the love in your heart and the kindness in your soul.

It isn't the flowing ribbons,
draped and curled with extra care,
or the fine and fancy bows
tied with ornamental flair.

It isn't the label on the box,
the sum of money spent,
or anything that shows the length
to which you obviously went.

The beauty of a Christmas gift
cannot be seen at all.
For the loveliness of giving
is a feeling, grand and tall.

It's the genuine offer of love,
the yearning to make a connection,
a show of honest gratitude,
a display of sincere affection.

~ Unknown

There will be no resistance to the sparkle and glitter of the season. All that deliberately glitters is gold. It has a way of giving and giving. Glttter me Christmas! Amen

Laying wreaths tomrrow at Arlington National Cemetery. Thank you, Wreaths Across America. It wouldn't happen without you and your tireless volunteers. Photo from last year.

12371060_10153811405203832_4379786415431572769_o (1).jpg

I find it good to pause for a moment of three and allow the spirit of Christmas to wash over me... It prompts people to do kind things for others. It’s that season of giving – not just to those we love, our families and friends, but people seem to reach out to those in need. If you can, reach to those who see nothing to rejoice in, or for those we know are in desperate circumstances. Because you can. ❤️

12314535_10153783106048832_3513361232149893781_o (1).jpg

I feel like we need this time right now. Looking all around me, for everywhere I see; the joy of season spreading out its arms and asking for a hug. Let there be peace on earth, my friends, and it can start with me.

Yes! Because, why not?

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

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.

#TeamUSA is a growing community of quality-content people from the United States or those living here. Check us out on Discord!

TEAMUSAhive_dswigle 1.jpg

Sharing the Memory | Ecency