Not a creature was stirring…

It’s beginning to look like Christmas…

Okay, who am I kidding? It is freaking Christmas!

The tree is decorated, and the stockings are hung. School is out. We’ve already logged several hundred miles in the minivan visiting family and I’ve consumed more than my fair share of sugar cookies and red wine. We’ve even had a fleeting flurry of the white stuff. This is, without question, my favorite time of the year. By October 1, I’m craving a peppermint mocha and some Christmas music. By November 1, I’m Amazon Prime’s favorite customer. Come December 1, we’ll geez, it’s like I’m an elf stuck in a disco-themed, greased up, spiral ice luge shooting downhill toward New Year’s Day.

It can be hard to maintain focus on the truly important things. It’s the Disney World of holidays for children—where they go from elated to meltdown in 3.5 seconds. Society’s demand sometimes take control. Elves need to be moved. Presents need to be wrapped. Christmas cards need to be signed, stuffed, stamped, and licked.

But as I sit here at 6:59 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning beside my lit-up tree and mantle, looking at stockings I made by hand (just as my mom made mine), I cherish the quiet of the world.  The sun isn’t up yet… neither are my girls. Rosey, our cat, is a spaz—but that is her normal. A cup of coffee is brewing, and, for just a moment, I have some me time to reflect.

In the past 24 hours, I’ve cuddled and cooed a friend’s baby and cried over the loss of another friend’s father. I’ve hugged my own tearful and exhausted daughter, as well as my incredible and helpful mother. We’ve sung carols, laughed with friends, and missed those who are far away. Our elves, Sparkle and Rocky, have found their final perch for the 2017 season and I’m mentally thinking about how to keep today calm and the focus on kindness, love, and the real reason for the season.

2017 was a good year. I turned 40, which is mildly liberating. I traveled to new places as well as some old favorites. I’ve watched my daughters come into their own pursuing passions old and new… I have an accomplished gymnast, equestrian, and ballerina. We moved into a beautiful new home that makes my heart happy every time I walk through the door. I have love and a best friend wrapped up into one amazing man who accepts, supports, and encourages me. My work is rewarding, and my colleagues are creative and inspiring. And my family, immediate and extended, has enjoyed good health. We’ve laughed a lot and loved hard. From blue ribbons and leading roles, to quiet moments and girly giggles… my cup runneth over. It is no exaggeration to say I’m blessed beyond measure.

So as the final days of 2017 come to a close, I’ll cherish them all—the easy and hard—and pay forward the goodwill, gratitude, and generosity.