Holiday Magic and My Favorite Things

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love”
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

Holiday Magic and My Favorite Things

The holidays of Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and New Year’s have officially begun, and I am so excited as it unfolds each special gift. What a wonderful time when all is focused on love and giving – the sentiment, the change in focus, the energy and the opportunity for celebration, gathering and stopping to give thanks and outwardly show our love are the things I love most about it. Even though these qualities can and do occur year round, for some reason, there is a bit of magic that infiltrates everything this time of year. And I love it!

Today I want to wish each of you a very happy holiday season! To start it out right, here are a few of my favorite things to remind you of the magic that is all around us. These are the simple beauties that inspire and motivate me. I invite you to take a minute and share with me what inspires you too.

Love and hugs – Sandy

A Few of My Favorite Holiday Things:

a crackling, cozy fire in the fireplace
decadent hot chocolate topped with homemade whipped cream
listening to Carpenters Christmas album
drinking eggnog
looking at the cards at Papyrus
being with my two wonderful grown up kids
going to pick out the Christmas tree
making and eating squash casserole (for my recipe go to: http://wp.me/p14m59-10R)
rubbing up against the Christmas trees at the tree seller and taking the pine scent home on my coat
cooking with my family and the mayhem in the kitchen
drinking hot spiced tea by the fire

presents under the tree
fresh baked pumpkin pie with real whipped cream
hanging a lights and decorating the front porch
drinking wine and baking with friends
creating the perfect holiday cards to send to special friends
watching classic holiday films – It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street
shopping for little stocking stuffers
hitting the $1 section at Target and sending “care” boxes to my loved ones
snow flakes falling on Christmas Eve
listening to and singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas“
laying under my mom’s HUGE Christmas tree like a kid
snow sledding under the full moon

hanging the stockings by the fireplace for my kids and granddogs
mom’s stockings that she hangs over her mantel and the surprises they contain
shopping for treasures and special ornaments
taking chilly walks and stomping through the colorful leaves
Bing Crosby, Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, MJB holiday music
learning about and experiencing how others celebrate their holidays
donating time or singing for local charities or special schools
hosting a festive gathering at my home for special friends and family
having coffee and shuffling around the house early in the morning in my cozy pajamas
a chance to reflect on the amazing year I experienced
endless scarves to choose from

city streets and trees outlined in colorful lights
going out in the neighborhood and doing some old-fashioned Christmas caroling with the family
wrapping presents with beautiful papers and ribbons
pumpkin bread with a homemade latte topped with cinnamon
spending more time with my parents and family, loved ones and friends
dressing up and going out to dinner for a special holiday night
quiet walks and talks with family after we have eaten the holiday turkey
an opportunity for a fresh start
new chances to love and give

Wishing you a grateful heart, unconditional love and abiding peace – Happy Holidays!