It’s almost Christmas. I’m here with my family. I’ve done the requisite travel, some shopping, lots of gift-making (that’s my favorite), baking, wrapping, etc. And I have to be honest…I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Last week I had the opportunity for the first time in a great while to catch up with several friends, old and new. I spread my little bags and boxes of Holiday cheer. Others shared theirs with me. I was able to spend time with the people I value most, and who value me. And I get to do that more over the next few days. I have celebrated to solstice with a beautiful group of people, listened to some beautiful music, read, knit, practiced yoga. I’ve done all of my favorite things (and let’s not even get into the food…that’s a whole other level of bliss). As I write all of these things, I’m reading them aloud. I am counting my blessings. I’m doing this as a reminder to myself. As a prayer. So this evening, as I sit here in this warm home, with a full belly and busy hands, my back to a fire and relaxing into the season, I say a thank you to the universe for all of these gifts. I am so filled with gratitude, love and joy. This is bliss. This is serenity. This is amazement and wonder. I wish you all the same magical feelings. I wish you blessings, now and in the coming year.

Namaste