As We Grow Older
Our Christmas List gets smaller
And we find out that the things
We really want can't be bought ...
◔◔
₎‿ノ•


The best Christmas presents is the presence of those we love to share good times with and a lovely meal 
and celebrations.

>  < ★...★...★* __Π___

˛ *__Π ___*。* ˚ ˚ /______/~＼ 。
...*/______/~＼˛ ˚ ｜田田 ｜門｜ ˚
...｜田田 ｜門｜ ˚...>,"< ★...★...★*
*★...★...★ MERRY CHRISTMAS! ★...★...★* 

Kindness always Matters...

"One kind word can warm three winter months. "~Japanese Proverb


December's gifts, custom, ceremony, celebration, consecration~come to us wrapped up, not in tissue and ribbons, but in cherished memories. This is the month of miracles.
The oil that burns for eight days, the royal son born in the stable, the inexplicable return of Light of the longest, darkest night of the year. Where there is Love, there is always miracles. And where there are miracles, there is great joy. Gratefully we weave the golden thread of Joy into our tapestry of contentment. At last we embrace the miracle of aunthenticity, changing forever how we view ourselves. Our daily round. Our dreams and our destinies. Days we once called common now are holy.

From the book
Simple Abundance
A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.

"Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace."

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future disolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know 
how desolate the landscape can be
Between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
that passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out of the window forever.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters 
and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the ground of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend. 

Naomi Shihab Nye

Christmas goodies

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

but 10 extra pounds 

on my hips, thighs and rear.

Giggles