I’m sitting this morning and reflecting on how things have changed since I was a child. There’s been a definite shift in how I see or view what’s important at this time of the year. I’ve crossed paths with so many people…people from different backgrounds, circumstances and beliefs. A time when so many celebrate the birth of Christ that has made us thankful for this time of the year. A time where others, who do not subscribe to the belief of Christ and religion…celebrate this time of year for different reasons. It’s a celebration nonetheless. Regardless of what we do or do not believe in…we have one thing in common.
It’s a time of giving, a time for sharing, a time to spend with loved ones but more importantly…a time to be thankful.
There are so many things that I am thankful for. And, it’s the things that cost nothing, which mean the most to me. It’s the fact that someone takes the time to do a selfless deed for me, the fact that others take time out of their busy day to make my life easier. The phone call or text message just to say “Hi. How are you?”.
I love Christmas and I love giving but it is also very stressful. I wish I had all the money in the world to buy gifts for all the people in my life just to show them how special they are to me. Unfortunately, I don’t have that kind of money and it frustrates me at times. However, this week, I decided that there must be an inexpensive way to show a few people in my life, that I appreciate them too. A way to say “Thank you for being there at a time when I needed it most“. There are a select few people who have over the last couple of years, been a real support system to me. I decided to bake some biscuits and bottle them up. This is no real big deal right? However, this idea soon delivered a challenge of its own but I was determined to get through it.
I mixed up the batter for my batch of biscuits and just as I was about to press them out onto the pan using my cookie gun/press…it broke! This was not the way I had planned for things to go, in fact, it was a nightmare to do. This particular biscuit recipe is not one that can just be rolled out, pressed and placed on a baking tray. It took some serious improvisation to get these cookies baked and I literally stood in the kitchen over a two day period making them. I went to the shop to return my broken cookie gun/press, hoping to get a replacement so I could continue the next day but they had none in stock. I knew I needed to get the rest of my biscuits done if I was going to make up the rest of my gift list as I really want to deliver these biscuits today. I soldiered on and in the end, I have an end product and am looking forward to visiting these special people in my life. They have no idea that I am coming and when I look at each jar of cookies, I think, it’s really not such a big deal. Then I remind myself, I have made these with every good intention and put so much love, energy and time into them…I just know that it will be appreciated. The smile on their faces will be “thanks” enough for me.
The end result
This year, Christmas for me is about showing the people in my life just how much they mean to me. It’s about letting them know that, even though I might not always say it or show it, I do love and appreciate them for who they are. We all contribute in one way or the other, no matter how big or small, to the next person. Being thankful for what you have and more especially the people you have in your life, is key to a happy life.
Have you found what’s most important to you at this time of year?
I hope and pray you will all have a blessed and Merry Christmas.
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