Holiday Season - What's Your Favorite

We are in the middle of the Holiday Season and as I was out running errands the other day, I found myself thinking about my favorite thing about the season. As I started listing off things I like, I decided it would be a lot easier to list what I hate rather than what I love. But, I don't want to get into the negative. Not this time of year. I believe this should be a happy time, a time for joy and peace and nice things. So, here's my list of things I would call my favorite things.

1. Family and Friends. Getting together, enjoying each other's company, sharing good food, good memories. I hope each of you have friends and family to share this special time of year with.

2. The beautiful Christmas Carols. I've always loved Christmas songs. Even the funny ones like Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. All of the Christmas songs are special. Take some time and listen to one or two of your favorites.

3.  The bright lights. I love the way the lights twinkle on the Christmas tree. I so enjoy taking evening rides and seeing how the houses are lit up -- each different, each something special.

4. Seeing the excitement in my grandchildren's eyes. I think this is one that really should be at the top of the list. It seems like kids, young and old, get excited to receive a special gift, sit on Santa's knee, take part in a Christmas play, or even sing with their school class. They get so excited to dress up, and I love the happiness that shows on each of their faces.

5. Giving. Yes, the spirit of giving abounds. I have to admit I love the feeling of doing something special, buying the perfect gifts, or giving to others who haven't as much as I have. If you haven't done that, try it if you can. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside knowing that I'm doing something good in the world today.

Ok, so I could go on and on, and I'm sure if you take a few minutes, you could too. I hope you will take some time to enjoy the holidays. Take some time for yourself to relax, listen to a Christmas song, smell the beautiful pungent smell of pine trees, and just relax doing what you love best.

May this season be a season of joy. May you find peace and happiness. May the love of family and friends surround you.

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

Thanksgiving - A Forgotten Holiday?

All my life, November meant looking forward to Thanksgiving, a time to get together with friends and family.  We didn't ignore that holiday to shop for things. Christmas carols didn't start playing on the radio until afterwards. Oh, sure, I always had a few friends who started their Christmas shopping early, but stores closed on Thanksgiving to allow everyone time to spend it with loved ones.  We had a beautiful dinner, spent the day with family, and basked in the love we all shared.

Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. Even aside from the cooking, baking pies and rolls, and all the food preparation, it's become a day to get together and enjoy family. We don't worry about a lot of decorating. We don't feel pressure to buy just the right presents. Instead, we enjoy each other, talking, laughing and relaxing.

I can't stop the ever-emerging way Christmas is crowding out the Thanksgiving holiday -- and don't misunderstand me -- I love the Christmas Season, but I can acknowledge all my friends and family this Thanksgiving. I can say thanks for everyone who has been there for me all year.  I can wish everyone a lovely Thanksgiving Day and that's exactly what I'm doing.

May you have a Thanksgiving day full of peace, love and happiness. May you enjoy the company of loved ones and take the time to enjoy this beautiful holiday before the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season is upon us.

K. R. Bailey

Happy Holidays!

Whew! It was a lot of work But I'm Done -- Got the tree up!!

 

I just love the smell of pine!

 

Hope this made you smile like it did me. 

 

In all seriousness, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or another holiday I don't know about, I wish you the very best this season.  May peace and joy fill your hearts, may you enjoy whatever traditions you have, and may you have the best the New Year can offer.

 

We celebrate Christmas by spending it with family.  We'll get together with my children and grandchildren, and it's always fun to watch the little ones' eye's grow big and wide with excitement as they open presents and play with their cousins.

 

I have much to be thankful for.  I have a loving husband, wonderful family, healthy grandchildren, and can still spend tine with my father who is healthy and doing well at age 86.  I have a comfortable home, a rambuctious yellow lab, many, many friends, and the list goes on.  Too much to list, but suffice it to say, I'm very blessed. 

 

I wish you a very Merry Christmas -- A Happy Holiday Season -- and the very best as we start 2013!