Throughout this month, many of my friends have been journaling on Facebook their daily gratitude. I love reading their heartwarming and often humorous quips, but am mostly touched that SO MANY people have decided to use this month as a time of reflection and thanksgiving. It's good for the soul, and it spreads positivity in a world where so many seem to dwell on the negative.
I didn't have my act together in time to get on board with posting something for which I was thankful each day. I certainly feel blessed beyond measure that I'm able to enjoy a healthy family and abundant love and friendship. I just didn't get my thoughts onto paper (or Facebook) as planned.
Last night, something unexpected happened. Since our family will be scattering to different places this Thanksgiving, our children asked to put up the Christmas tree early this year. Knowing that our teens will be available to enjoy this tradition only for a short time, we obliged. One daughter cranked up the Christmas playlist while the boys collected the boxes of decorations from the crawl space. The kids laughed and chatted as they reminisced about the memories behind the individual ornaments:
The visit to Santa right after Lily was born
Jacksen's precious preschool photo with too much glitter and garland
Zac, Nat and Kaitlin before our family was combined
Special trips taken to wonderful places
A snapshot of the moment our families combined as we promised "forever"
A symbol of the baseball and football teams that learned so much from winning and losing
And the handmade touches that make our tree extra special
What unfolded last night as we decorated the Christmas tree with our children was a beautiful walk down memory lane. It started with a tree, and the stories built as we added our treasures memories.
I'm most grateful this holiday season for the memories that we make with loved ones.
Whether good or bad, they are what makes the journey worthwhile.
Love, live and create intentionally,
Kristi
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