But the fire is so delightful....

And since we've no place to go......... ......

Let it snow - let it snow ---- let it snow....

I'm sure everyone doesn't get the same giddy feeling I get about this time of year, and everyone may not even have the same vision of comfort that Christmas brings to my heart, but I was hoping I could share some thoughts that might help someone else through this blessed time of year - and maybe, just maybe we can all be better one month from now than we are today....

There is just something warming about the holiday season - more than the fire in the fireplace, and more than the tinsel on the tree, I think it's a heart thing. I usually go all out for decorating the tree - but to be quite honest - I don't spend a lot of money on gifts. I do buy my children each something special that they want for Christmas, and I try to make sure there are gifts for everyone who will be in my home on Christmas day - but I don't necessarily purchase gifts for all my family members, or for a lot of other friends and co-workers, unless it's terribly inappropriate not to do so. I have been known to prepare goodie bags for all my employees children using simple crafted gifts that are Just simply delightful to make. This year, I'm creating a plaque and a book mark using a poem I wrote for a writer friend of mine, and I'm sure I'll get around to sending something special to a friend who has cancer this year... But the joy of Christmas is truly INSIDE.... It's something that you FEEL - and a feeling you can SHARE.

So - what are you doing for yourself - to make this Christmas special for you and your family?

Is there something you want to do that doesn't cost money or a lot of extra time?

Since most of us on this forum are single or divorced - or wishing we were anywhere besides where we are at the moment --- WHAT are you doing to make this moment and where you are special and memorable?

You deserve a memory - make one.

Hugs, blessings, and good wishes,

Jan

You are one wonderful person. To think of others and provide a gift to those who come to visit. Decorating the tree with your gift of decor. Wonderful.

I am sending only cards to a few family and friends, money issues. The gifts I bought for the kids were from garage sales this year. Like you, I may go out and buy each of my kids one thing.

Starting a new tradition for the christmas holidays, for myself. And if I were to remarry, would like new husband to be interested.

Otherwise, just being thankful that I am alive, and doing well in school, and loving my kids everyday.

Thanks for that reminder. I put some of those same thoughts to work last night by putting up the plastic "tree" and other decorations around the house. Sure it will be lonely without WW around for Christmas but I can't wallow around without her. Christmas is a time of good cheer and I'm truly feeling those blessings you're talking about inside me more than usual.

Memories for this year...My folks and I are headed to Jamaica for X-mas for some well deserved R+R after a very difficult fall for all of us. Hopefully the white sand beach will remind me of the usual snow, but the swimming and sun sure won't. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Happy holidays everyone. Make the best of it.

The weather here has actually been rather nice -- It's warm and sunny most of the day --- I'm just in a wintery mood... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Jan

Hunters are on the river - sounds like a war zone down there - all the guns popping.

I remember when I was younger, I used to go hide in the closet when they started popping every year. I used to hate hearing them so close to town.

Now it's almost a signal of winter arriving. The geese honk overhead and the guns start popping.

Hummmm nice winter beginning - so far we have mostly sunshine and warmer than usual days.

I want SNOW.

Jan

Gifts are tough, I'm sure a lot of posters have $$$ trouble due to current situation. Getting to spend Xmas with W and kids is going to be nice.
When Xmas is over is going to be the hard part <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

Well, now you've done it!
Sent that bad weather to us on the East Coast!

I like the snow, as long as I'm not in traffic, so
LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

well all the talk about snow brought it up to NJ where i live! I think we got about a foot. But the snow is nice when you can share it with someone like a friend or a child or a loved one. I spent this past weekend in NYC with my cousin and it was so beautiful with all of the lights and trees and tinsel and the snow flakes falling...a winterwonderland!
For the gift giving this year, I am trying to buy family members one special gift that I know that they want or need. But I get a little crazy sometimes and buy more than I said I was. But, I think it is the GIVING AND NOT THE RECEIVING that makes me the most happy during the holidays. Happy Holidays to all here at marriagebuilers

G