Holiday blessings

It started out a little rough, but I have to admit, I think we've turned this holiday boat around and are headed toward Cheerland.

A few of the reasons I think we were able to avoid holiday tragedy (thus far):

-Attending a unique performance of "A Christmas Carol" last Saturday night. Nothing like a little Ebenezer to straighten up even the grumpiest of us.

-Eating home-made fudge with my knit group buddies. Chocolate and a sense of belonging can do wonders for the spirit.

-Creating a little holiday craftiness. It's amazing how using your mind and your hands to actually create something can change your mood.

-Judging a lighting contest complete with Starbucks' hot chocolate in my car's cup holder did me an incredible amount of good. Cheer was oozing from my pores after that.

-Watching "The Walton's: A Homecoming" and "Little House: A Christmas Retrospective" really put me in the right frame of mind. Big Chief tablets and a cup of my own. . . what more could you ask for?

-Being invited unexpectedly to join friends at lunch. . . and revel in the gift exchange.

-Coming into work and finding Santa had visited me: leaving goodies on my desk. How did Santa know that I needed that?

-Good mail. Emily brightened my December with her Pay It Forward package. Emily, dear Emily, you made my day.

-Unexpected music delivery. Madretz, you rock and are perhaps the most thoughtful person I know.

-Getting those family newsletters and photographs in the mail might annoy some of you, but I love it. I enjoy seeing how everyone has grown, where they have travelled and catching up with what the past year has held.

-Beautiful Christmas cards. Cynical lets me open all of the cards that arrive during this season. And they are so incredible. I am most impressed by everyone's creativity in making their own. Ooooh, to have one ounce of that spark.

-All the food! I must admit, sadly, that I love holiday food. I love all of the dips, chocolate coated pretzels, butter cookies (!). . . . . mmmmm.

-Christmas music. Once again, might annoy most of you, but I love it all: from the cheesiest to the most reverent.

-Promises of a holiday get-away. We leave bright and early tomorrow morning for our little escape. I can't wait. I promise not to only pack holiday CDs.

-Plans to see family and friends. The most wonderful part of the holiday.