Merry Christmas, my friends.
Is yours turning out to be the stuff of dreams?
If not, join me in a not-such-a-stereotypical holiday.
So many times we feel let down at this season.
Why not gift your loved ones with time instead of stuff?
We've already begun the Christmas treats.
Here's one...
Mr. Wonderful and our son and I headed off with the pups for a hike near home...
... through farmland and field to the shore.
We noticed the little treasures like feathers and lichen and juniper berries.
A chill wind whipped through our jackets and turned our noses pink.
We all breathed deeply of the crisp morning air
and walked in comfortable silence.
Nobody rushed.
Not even a little bit.
What a pleasure to be away from the rest of the world.
Then at the end of the trail, a pleasant romp together...
... then a quiet tramp back home through the fields.
When we look back on this Christmas when we spent time instead of money,
I think it will be one of the most memorable.
If you're feeling stressed by the season, grab the people you love and go outside.
The gift of time is the best one you can share,
and you'll come back feeling so connected and loved.
Merry Christmas.
God bless us every one.
