What Matters Most

It is almost the end of another year -2013 will soon be memories.  I like to spend the end of the year organizing and re-arranging, which starts as I begin to pack away all of our christmas decorations.  As I carefully packed each ornament away, I am reminded of so many years of rituals, traditions and old friends that have contributed to the specialness of the holidays.

In 1985 I began a tradition of inviting friends over for a tree decorating party and although it was not planned, I have many decorations contributed to our tree from dear friends over the years.  Recently our grandsons have been the primary decorators and they love to hear the stories as I give them the special ornaments to hang. And in my mind, the stories and the parties live on.

Both of our daughters were home for Christmas, Jenn from New York, and Liz here with her husband and 3 sons.  The holidays are always made brighter with family and I am thankful again for mine.  We shared meals together, made cookies and worked on our christmas puzzle.  (A family tradition that pulls us quietly together as we reassemble the picture as shown on the box.)  We spent Christmas morning at Liz's house savoring the excitement of young boys enjoying another Christmas.

And now, Jenn is back in New York, Liz is celebrating with her husband's family, and I am organizing and re-arranging in anticipation of the new year.  My library of books is beckoning me to look at what I have yet to read, my writings are patiently waiting my return.  I have wonderful things ahead of me in 2014, but I wrap up this year,  knowing that I have lived the year loving and loved.  And that is what matters most.

Life is Always Good!