Christmas is a time of reflection for me. It’s a time when the smell of bread baking or the refrain of a Christmas carol can bring back a flood of memories of holiday traditions which have been handed down from generation to generation. It also brings back memories of those who came before me, of those who made me who I am. They live on in me. They are in how I think. They are in the stories I tell my son. They taught me how to cherish my family and friends. This year is no different.
As part of my reflecting, I look back at my cards of Christmases past. Today’s post features what may be my favorite card of them all, created several years ago, when my style was much different than it is today. Although it was heavily distressed, the snowflakes seemed to take on a glow of their own. Pearls adorned their centers, and a beautiful bow was the finishing touch. I would like to think I still had this beauty tucked away somewhere, but sadly it was sent off to someone, a name which I do not recall. I would like to think that that they loved it as much as I did, and that it is tucked away among their mementos. Perhaps it is framed and displayed during the holidays. I hope that no matter what happened to it, it brightened their day.
My heart is warmed by memories of Christmases past and the memories of those who enriched and blessed my life. But I also rejoice in those who share my life now.
The Princess Sixx – Her love for all is as big as her personality
Uncle Q – May there be many more Christmases in his future!
Good Boy Nueve – The one who holds my heart in his paws.
These three brighten my days with their antics and fill my heart with joy.
As for my human kids, Brady and Korin are not able to come home for Christmas. They are celebrating the first Christmas in their first home. They will be building their own holiday traditions. And thus, the cycle of traditions continues on. Although they will not be with us physically, we will video chat with them. I will hold them close in my heart.
Always at this time of year my thoughts turn to my childhood and growing up on the farm. Although we were poor in terms of material goods, we were rich in those things which are truly valuable…family and friends. Christmases past were not about the presents or the tree. They were about family. Grandmas and grandpas; aunts, uncles and cousins; my mother, my father and sister and brothers — all would join together during the holidays, sharing in a fellowship of love. Although most of those who shared these memories with me live on only in my heart, I realize that I am still blessed with a wonderful family of friends – my stamping friends – whom I have met through the years. We share. We care. We form alliances and relationships. We inspire. We encourage. We laugh together. We cry together. From my heart to yours, here is my holiday wish for you: I wish you a blessed holiday season and the happiest of New Years! May all your wishes come true!
Love, Ann
