Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Believe



Well it always comes, doesn't it, sneaking up so quickly after months of waiting.

Like a long-lost friend; different each time, but essentially the same at the core, Christmas arrives with its traditions, expectations, frustrations, sadness.

The next twenty-four hours will be a whirl of activity and "too-muches":


  • too much work
  • too much food
  • too much under the tree
  • too much family
  • too much commercialism
  • too much everything!

And yet, I am glad of those too-muches.  I hug them closely.  I remember other years, where other women did the work and I was the one under the tree playing with the toys.  There will be Christmases ahead where others will do the cooking.  There will be Christmases where I will be simply a story told around the table.

That's okay.

Because you know what?  I believe.




I still hear the bell.  Santa Clause, and his spirit, will always exist in me.

I believe in


  • love
  • friendship
  • letting go
  • holding tight
  • fairy dust
  • the way the world can conspire to get us what we need if we just open our hearts fully
  • sadness, because haven't we all had a Christmas that didn't "cut the mustard"?  A Christmas where we were heartbroken, financially broken, sad?  If you haven't then count yourselves among the lucky, though to be honest, I wouldn't trade the bad times - they are our teachers and we need them to fully appreciate the good times
  • caring
  • sharing
  • waking up early on Christmas Day and laying in bed and thinking "it came!"
  • peace and fellowship, the energy of which may not last the other 364 days of the years, but whose energy cannot help but permeate
  • reaching out when someone needs help
  • respecting when someone doesn't want your help
  • toys
  • choral music
  • The Chieftains
  • Bing Crosby
  • Nat King Cole
  • The Pogues
  • faith
  • belief - because when we believe in something bigger than ourselves, something grander, we don't feel quite so alone



Most of all on this day, I think of children the world over, children who need our love and our money and our goodwill.  Children who deserve the same opportunities to be loved, to play, to succeed.  

God willing, there will be other Christmases.  But this Christmas, in all of its glories and its warts, is a gift.  And I believe in saying thank you for a gift.

So: THANK YOU!



I hope that whatever your faith, however you celebrate this season of the winter solstice, you take some time to be with your family and friends and reflect on your multitude of blessings.  I know I will.

Merry Christmas to you all and much love!  Your stopping by to say hello always makes me so happy and makes me feel so humble and thankful.  Truly, you are the Magi for me!



xoxo Wendy

44 comments:

  1. Well said!! Christmas is always a gift.

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  2. I believe too! Merry Christmas, Wendy!

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  3. Love it, let's all have a huggy Pogues' Christmas!

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    1. I was cranking fairy tale in New York last night!

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    2. The Mr was just saying it's not Christmas without the Pogues... Merry Christmas Wendy, enjoy the magic Dollface.

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  4. This made me weepy...

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  5. Beautiful post. Merry Christmas, Wendy!

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  6. Wonderful post! We are lucky and thankful to be out with our youngest this year, so separated from the rest of the family, but that's OK.

    A very merry Christmas to you all!

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  7. Merry Christmas! Toast to family, friends, and unconditional love.

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  8. I finally kinda got into the spirit today actually. Been a crazy year but nice to allow oneself to be cozy at least for a few days! Merry Xmas and thanks for your cheer year round Wendy!

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    1. Merry Christmas Fred! Hope there was much frivolity yesterday!

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  10. Thank you for such a charming piece. You've really brought the Christmas spirit to us all. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

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  11. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Wendy! Thank you for a beautiful post and your wonderful blog. Best wishes for happy holidays!!!

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    1. Thanks Louise! I know you are loving this break, home with your loved ones!

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  12. This is just what I needed to read when I was feeling cranky about how late I will need to stay up to be one of Santa's elves. Enjoy Christmas with your family!

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  13. Beautiful. I believe too. So glad to know you. Merry Christmas Wendy! xo

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  14. Wishing you and your family a most happy and blessed Christmas. It was a wonderful post and reminded me of the many ways we can keep the joys of the season in our hearts throughout the year. XOXO.

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  15. Your blog is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this. Merry Christmas!!

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  16. Thoughtful, Wendy. Best of the season to you and yours!

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    1. Thanks Barb! Merry Christmas to one of my favourite writers!

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  17. Stopping by to say how much I've enjoyed getting to know you in Blogland, laughing at your sense of humour and appreciating the thoughtfulness displayed in your posts. Have a great holiday, Wendy, and every good wish for a healthy, creative 2015.

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    1. Thanks and right back at you! I hope you and your family had a happy Christmas - though of you yesterday during the queen's message!

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  18. Merry Christmas Wendy.
    Thanks you for your way of making our world better. Your posts are a gift to us.

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    1. Aww thanks Marsha! Much love and Merry Christmas! My local friends will tell you just the same - I can't help but wear my heart on mynsleeve!

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  19. Merry Christmas and I wish especially for you to have a 2015 of good health!

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  20. Absolutely beautiful, Wendy! I believe, too! Hope you and your family had a very special and Merry Christmas! :)

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  21. Beautiful post! Happy holidays from a frequent reader & somtimes commenter!

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  22. I think I just heard some bells so there is an angel with wings just for you.

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Kindness is a virtue...