Hi friends. I have a confession to make. When I woke up this morning, I was feeling pretty sad. Usually Christmas Eve is the fastest day of the year for me. I’m usually out of my mind trying to get everything done so that Christmas Day is just perfect for my kiddos, while I’m whipping around trying to either host or help host my siblings and their families for a little visit from Santa after Christmas Eve mass. But 2020 had other ideas for this year.
When I think about all of the loss from the last year, there are times I can’t even breathe. I think it will be a while before all that has changed or gone away really sinks in. But since I absolutely hate what that sadness feels like, I don’t let myself sit in it for very long. To get out of those funks, it helps me to look for the good things.
Take, for example, the beautiful paintings in these pictures. They were done by my Uncle Jack, my mom’s incredibly lovable brother who passed away unexpectedly this fall. If you ever asked me what Jack’s profession was, I would have told you that he was an artist. But to be honest, I’m not sure I’d really ever looked at his work. Really looked at it. When he died, I was lucky enough to be able to buy two of his paintings that I now just treasure. They represent so many things I love: color, lightness, hope.
What gifts these are to me especially this year, when it’s so easy to get caught up in all that’s not the same. It’s also a reminder to appreciate ALL of the moments because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
So here’s me, now hopping off my soapbox, and encouraging you to squeeze your people tight and enjoy all that’s right in front of you. That’s exactly what I’m going to do!
Merry merry Christmas Eve!
xo ❤️?
