Christmas Gratitude.

It never ceases to amaze me how much time, thought and planning goes into Christmas each and every year,  then in the blink of an eye it is done and we all begin to return to some sense of normality.  As we travel once again towards a New Year we can mull over the Christmas memories made,  and take pleasure in those special moments which make the whole pre-Christmas journey worthwhile.  I can still hear the groans of Joy as I ask my four special people to gather around their mum for that yearly Christmas photo,  but hey.. it wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

In a previous post I mentioned my love of Christmas and shared a memory of  ‘The year Santas’ elves filled my stocking’ .  It was a special moment that I thought was a  ‘one off’      but I underestimated the love and joy of giving that those elves hold in their hearts.

Having enjoyed listening to this Charlotte elf opening her 26th Christmas stocking!  I was given an instruction that went a little like this. ” Mum can you go and get my phone charger…its by the fireplace”.   Looking around and being unable to find it I called up and was told again and again to  “look for it near the fireplace” !!.   Still I couldn’t find it, then as my eyes caught sight of this the penny dropped!

Santas’ Elf had been busy and Mum had been treated once again.  My lack of expectation and the fact that an empty stocking always hung in its place, was the reason behind my cluelessness.   Overwhelmed with a mixture of childish excitement,  and a grown up sense of gratitude,  I went upstairs clutching my stocking and took pleasure in every little gift,  carefully chosen by those I love.  Nothing beats finding a stocking hanging by the fireplace on Christmas morning, but its the kindness, time and thought that went into putting it together that means as much to me as the presents inside.

Christmas is a time that brings families together and I am so thankful for the family I have been blessed with,  and for the fun, love and laughter that we have shared over the last few days.  For just a short while the cold outside is forgotten and the warmth inside envelops us all.

I hope if you are taking time to read this that you had a Cosy Happy Christmas and are looking forward to 2018.

 

Love Alison x