There, I did it....I decorated for Christmas;)

The Hubby and I haven't celebrated Christmas in years.  Between economic pressures and family stress, it was the last thing we felt like doing.  All this talk about profit margins and lack of consumer spending in recent years past made it feel like the only reason Christmas existed was to pad the pockets of corporate money grubbers.  Sorry, Charlie, no go.  Add to that the "drama" with the the ex and the lack of communication with the kids during that time.  Bah Humbug was our Motto.

But, for some reason, this year I feel the spirit urging me on.  I have a feeling it has to with the re-bonding my children and I have had recently, the birth of a grand-child, and the general feeling of well-being my husband are feeling right now (sans occasional seasonal colds and such).

I know we just had Thanksgiving, and the Christmas thing is all about giving, but I feel a sense of graciousness that I have long neglected. 

To me, Christmas should be a day of silent, or at least quiet, thankfulness.  A day of remembrance of the gifts that have been bestowed on us by the heavens above.  Gifts like good health, serenity, and peace of mind.   I think long ago, Christmas was a time after the harvest had been completed, the profits measured, and the trophies brought home in wrapped packages of guilded frivolity.  Good year, good gifts.  Bad year, no gifts.  I think it's absurd to put Christmas on a credit card.

On to the sappy stuff....

I am thankful for...

My Hubby...who has proven over the past year that he took our marriage vows seriously...better or worse, in sickness and in health.  He stepped up to the position of "head of household" and got us through the worst of times, both financially and mentally.

My Children..who, even after all they have been through, still have open minds and open hearts.

My grand-child...who, even though he is unaware, rekindled my faith in our future.

My mother...who finally, after all these years, said out loud that she appreciates me and thinks that I am a "good daughter".

 My health....even though I have struggled over what some would deem "inconsequential" hardships, I have brought myself from not being able to walk through the grocery store to being able to hold a part time job.  It may not pay much, but the self esteem it's bringing is priceless.

I'm going to end this post with thanks to all of you have been there in spirit and in word over the past year.

I wish you all the best of years, and a Very Merry Christmas.

Happy Quilting!!