Each Holiday Season, we all scramble to find the latest and greatest for our family and friends. We like to see their eyes light up! We like to feel as though our gift brought someone great joy. And truly, that is what the Holidays are all about....Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ through giving to others. But those gifts only need to come from the heart. It doesn't need to be expensive. It actually can be free! It can be time, encouragement, thought, etc. I heard a quote recently on one of my favorite shows, The Bold and the Beautiful (yes....I am a soap junkie). Stephanie Forrester, the Matriarch of the show, simply said "giving is living". It is such a simply statement, but it has so much meaning. Showing kindness, love, and tenderness to others is essential to living a fulfilling life. And when you receive that gift from others, you are more apt to pay it forward.
This Holiday season, I am reflecting on all of the wonderful gifts that I have received over the years. First and foremost, the unconditional love and support of my husband. Every morning I am greeted with a smile, breakfast, the dogs fed, and the car started. And honestly, some mornings I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and don't deserve it. But he does it anyway. I am blessed to have a man that let's me fly and relishes in my individuality. Secondly, the kindness of friends and family. I remember an issue arising many years ago when I was purchasing my very first home at the age of 24. At the last minute, closing costs shot up well beyond my budget. While venting to a dear friend, who was in the process of planning her wedding, she said "what's your account number" and loaned me the money without a second thought. This act was selfless and is still so touching to me. And lastly, my Late Aunt Sylvia travelled by bus to several thrift stores across Virginia and presented me with every pair of size 11 women's shoes she could find. She even purchased me a clear pair to wear in pageants. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! While I may not have even worn all the shoes, the care and thought makes this one of my all time favorite gifts.
So this Christmas Eve, I'm not running around from store to store. I'm spending it with my little family....Geoff, Passion, Winston, and Lucy! We are going to spend Christmas Morning making Breakfast and watching movies. We will spend Christmas Day giving back to our community. And we will spend Christmas evening having a small dinner with friends.
Merry Christmas from the Williams Family!!
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