This holiday time of year is special in so many ways. Yes, it’s stressful, yes it can be time consuming and expensive, and yes, it can be far too commercial. It’s easy to lose sight the wonderful spiritual messages underlying the season, regardless of individual religious preferences and practices: Love one another and celebrate the miracle of creation.
I think most of us do realize what the holidays are really about, and we cherish the memories associated with them. Annette’s blog about Christmas memories is a good example—look at the responses! We all have vivid and warm memories—many of them centered around the holidays and being with family.
So in the interest of more warm and fuzzy “ahhhh” feelings, I started thinking about my favorite things. Things I sometimes take for granted, but intend to appreciate more.
* The Sound of Music. Okay, it’s a little hokey, but I can’t think of my favorite things without thinking about this movie. I first saw this in a theater when I was very young, and I was riveted. I was also madly in lust with Captain Von Trapp (still am, for that matter), and fascinated with the Mother Superior, and still get chills when I hear her sing “Climb Every Mountain”. Okay, so I’m dating myself!
More favorite things:
* My husband and my children.
* A child’s genuine laughter.
* My best girlfriends.
* That first cup of coffee in the morning.
* Pulling into my driveway after a long day of work or errands.
* The joyous greeting of my dogs when I walk in the door.
* Taking off my bra the minute I get to my bedroom (or sooner, depending on who’s around).
* Changing into soft, comfy clothing immediately after bra removal (see above).
* Those rare family dinners (holiday or otherwise), when everyone is lingering around the table, enjoying the camaraderie.
* Climbing into bed at the end of the day and reaching for a book for a few minutes of reading (pure pleasure!)
* A nap.
*A purring cat in my lap.
* Chocolate.
* Reading email
* Receiving a present.
*Getting to sleep late.
These are just a few of the many pleasures blessing my life. They’re special treats that help smooth out the rough spots.
So, care to share? What are some of your favorite things?
Wishing you a fabulous holiday season!
~ Catherine
Oh Catherine, the bra thing! You’ve made my day, I thought that was just me
Comment by Saskia Walker — December 16, 2006 @ 5:52 pm
Some of my favorite things:
The laughter of my 16 month old grandson.
My family and friends.
Good books to read.
Coffee
My pets
Family dinners
Comment by Estella — December 16, 2006 @ 5:58 pm
Yes, ditto! I can tell I’m in good company here. One thing I’d add on my list would be: hot bubble baths!
Comment by Jolie — December 16, 2006 @ 7:09 pm
What a great post, Catherine. I loved THE SOUND OF MUSIC, too! In fact, I wanted to be a nun for all of two days after watching it. Anyone who knows me laughs at that one, but I always get the warm fuzzies when I catch the movie on cable.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Comment by Julia Templeton — December 18, 2006 @ 11:14 pm
Catherine, your blog struck two fun chords with me.
First, The Sound of Music. My husband and I saw that at the movie theater on our first date, Aug 1, 1965–I was twelve
–and a year later, Aug 1 1966, we saw it again at the same theater. We had been married for two weeks by then. It is a seriously romantic movie for us to watch together even after all these years.
Taking off your bra after a long day. There is nothing like it. I can take mine off while I’m driving, yes, with all my clothes on. Years ago, I taught an entire room of romance writers to take off their bras without removing their clothes. To this day, I’ll attend a conference and someone will look at me and say, “You taught me to take off my bra under my clothes!” They might not remember my name, but they remember the lesson.
Once I got caught coming home with bra in hand because my brother-in-law was working with my husband. It’s one of his favorite stories as well.
Have a happy holiday everyone!
Comment by Annette Blair — December 19, 2006 @ 4:53 pm
My cat
Family
Friends
Books and magazines
Jewelry (pendants)
Chocolate
Doc Martens
Vacations
There are plenty more……
Comment by Melissa — December 19, 2006 @ 5:28 pm