Remember Your Delivery People

This year I’ve made an extra effort in planning a little gift for our letter carrier and other individuals who make deliveries to our home. We’ve had temperatures as low as – 38 C already, but this hasn’t stopped these diligent workers from stopping by our home/business. If you’re able, remember your delivery people &/or sanitation workers this holiday season.

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Visits with Santa

On Saturday, I went to the mall with the intention of watching youngsters visit with Santa.  I bought a coffee, found a good seat, and just watched.  It was such a delight to see the wonderment on the faces of the children. I think I’m going to do this again and again in the years to come. Why don’t you do the same? To see children believe is so heartwarming.

 

 

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Christmas Prayers – Repost

This is a re post from last Christmas. I like these prayers so much, I wanted to post this again.

In the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, I like to experience calmness. These two prayers help to keep me focused on the true meaning of the season. I like to take time regularly to reflect on these prayers written long ago.

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1800’s)

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels,the gladness of the shepherds,and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing, which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

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Go Gaudy this Christmas

Did you know that Christmas is the one time of the year that gaudiness is accepted by most people? I just learned that too.  Here are few ideas of what you can do:

– add a little razzle dazzle to every room in your house.

– once the lights are on the tree, add one more set.

– wear a Christmas apron.

– hang an ornament from the rear view mirror in your vehicle (or add a wreath to your bumper).

– once you’ve selected one poinsettia to purchase, add two more to your cart.

Be creative and enjoy being gaudy.  Have fun.

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Gift of Kind Words

This month I’ve been keeping a secret list of things I love about my husband and each of my girls.  Every few days, I take the time to think of what I admire most about them, which I then record in a journal.  Come Christmas day, I’ll include the list in a personal card addressed to each.   Why don’t you do the same for those who are special to you. A kind word penetrates the heart – forever, I think.   Merry Christmas, Linda

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Hostess (Host) Gifts

When I am invited to someone’s home, I sometimes bring a small gift for the host or hostess. Although it’s not necessary, it is a gesture of my appreciation.  If you would like to do the same, here are a few ideas of what you could bring:

–         printed paper napkins

–         natural scented room spray

–         small package of homemade chocolate covered nuts (easy to make in a jiffy)

–         small jar of homemade jam ( I buy this at a local craft/farmers market)

–         cooking or decorating magazine

–         flowers

Remember to consider your budget. Make the gift personal, not expensive, and not too glitzy. Have fun. Linda

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