Merry Holidays!

Hello All,

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! And for tomorrow – Happy Kwanzaa!

It is truly a special time of the year. I know each of us has special traditions, that includes their favorite Christmas/holiday movie that must be watched every year. Mine is Elf! (And check that out! I underlined! Thank goodness for the King of the Blog!) I especially love the Elf Rules that are taught in school:

* Treat every day like Christmas.

* There’s room for everyone on the Nice List.

* The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Think of what our world would be like if we followed these rules! Treating every day like the special day it is, because we truly never get that individual day back again! Treasuring each moment, even the bad moments because those are the ones we learn from. And knowing that in each day there are good moments and incredible memories.

Being mindful of the importance of tolerance – the importance of recognizing each person as a human being with hopes, dreams, needs, ambitions, weaknesses and strengths. Learning to listen to both sides of the story with civility and understanding. Knowing we don’t have to agree on everything (in fact, the world would suffer if we did!) – but there is no reason to be disagreeable. Understanding that in our differences lies our strength! Recognizing there is good in everyone.

Singing out loud – with gusto! Even if, like me, you do not sing well! (Bob and the cats can truly attest to that.) Singing is actually therapeutic, increasing your breathing capacity…..and you are making joyful noise!

It is also important to listen for and to the songs that surround us. The whistling of the wind or the soft whisper of snow falling. The sounds of bells rumbling at midnight. The sounds of laughter, from giggles to deep belly laughs. The sound of loved ones’ voices, from babies’ coos to full on conversations. The voices of our 4-legged friends, be it barks, or meows, or the sounds of the hamster wheel going around. Listen for the sounds of joy.

My wish for you is a Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa filled with special moments, loud laughter, great stories, immense joy and love beyond measure!

Sing loudly, love deeply, enjoy every moment,

Phyl