Gifts

I remember during the Christmas season as a child all that my sister, brother and I thought about were how many gifts we'd receive under our Christmas tree. We were always pleasantly surprised early on Christmas morning after scrambling out to count them. We were quite fortunate, and although Mr. Santa Claus never did get me the Rubix Cube I asked for every year, I still was grateful for all the other wonderful gifts I received. Now, whenever I'm at home with my family for Christmas, my siblings and I no longer scurry out to the Christmas tree, we're certain now that Santa won't forget what we asked for, after all he and my Daddy had a very good understanding, seeing we never had a chimney and they shared the same handwriting! J We knew now, our small family being split to all different corners of the world to achieve things that the time we spent together was much more valuable than any gift Santa could fit into a box!

I view Christmas and gifts in general in a completely different way now. I believe life every day is about gift-giving, we receive gifts at every moment. Whether it be a smile from a stranger, an epiphany, a witty comment given to you by your Improv partner, the most perfect song that plays when you need it, waking up alone in your warm bed to a smile from a John Lennon bill-board, or just this breath with which you breathe right now. We are blessed with gifts in every moment in life…constantly evolving and changing to become better individuals. Life is a gift. Change is a gift. Learning is a gift. Sharing your light is also a gift.

So even if you aren't as fortunate as many this year and must spend the Christmas holidays alone; like I will, know that this sacrifice too is a gift. Handsomely wrapped presents with pretty bows and name tags signed in red ink from Santa Claus shouldn't only mean the world to you. Think about what the real meaning of Christmas is about. About birth of a Christ, a person that came to suffer, teach us about the magic in life and ultimately return to where he came from after he was finished his journey. We too, could look at this time of year as a re-birth, another chance, a gift to be grateful and continue along our path, fresh into a new year with beautiful new revelations and exciting things to look forward to. Of peace, of understanding, of contentment, of laughter, of truth, of magic, of a wonderful new life given to you and if you become lost you can look above to the stars, like that one bright star that shone above the rest, showing the 3 wise men where to bear their gifts. So too, you also will be guided in the right direction to bear your gifts of the beauty you are and also to receive blessings beyond your wildest of dreams.

So keep the memory of your loved ones in your heart this Christmas, and pour out your love to those around you, those who know you, and those who would like to get to know you [hahah]…to everyone, especially the less fortunate, and light that candle, light your heart and let it *pop-*fizzle-*burn of gratefulness and love! J