It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas....

or is it....

I've tried to write this blog three times now and I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to write it. It's the holiday season, my favorite time of the year, and yet as I look around, people aren't in the spirit.

There are a lot of reasons... and many are good ones.

People are experiencing difficult, life changing events and it's hard to be upbeat. I understand. I've always looked at the holidays as a time to be grateful and to show appreciation. To love and be loved. To give and be open to receive. When people and things are taken away from us, it is especially difficult to do these things. We spend time trying to deal with our feelings, and understand our losses. Often times we try to shoulder the burden alone.

This year I'm compelled to give more with fewer resources. To do more with less time. I've tried to be thoughtful and to show those I care about how much they mean to me. I'm hoping that the little tokens I've been able to (and will be) sharing will at least bring a smile to their faces and a little warmth to their hearts. Hopefully that paired with my prayers will make a difference.