12/16/2025
Ponderings for the seasons that I thought I would share...
This time of year has so many mixed emotions for so many of us.
For me, it is missing loved ones that are no longer with us and having family hundreds of miles away. But also, memories of holidays filled with unmet expectations and not getting the gift I really wanted.
My daughters used to ask me if Santa was real, my answer has always been that the Spirit of Santa IS real. When I was a sophomore in high school, our father told us that we were not going to have a Christmas that year: no presents, no tree, no dinner, nothing. It was a sad season, as other kids were leaving on the last day of school for Winter Break, they were excited about the holiday approaching. Many talking about their hopes and dreams of the gifts they could have under the tree that year. I was holding back tears. Acting like everything was great, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, faking it like any teenage girl would, while my heart was breaking. However, as I hopped off the bus that day, there was something on our porch. Leaning against the front door was a tree and wrapped presents for each of us, three each. All signed by “Santa.” It was one of those things that brings joy into a person’s spirit and sparks hope in a person.
After that year, I have been able to find joy in the season. I love all the lights in everyone’s yard, to the point that I will detour through neighborhoods to see the lights sparking. My favorite part of the season is gifting, giving gifts, especially the perfect gift and watching the joy on someone’s face is the greatest gift to me. I love decorating, especially snowmen and their red, chubby cheeks–they always bring a smile to my face. I squeal like a schoolgirl, especially when I see a new one that I simply love.
I found joy in watching my girls every Christmas morning, opening their gifts, watching the glow in their eyes. Having the Christmas that I had always dreamed of as a little girl. I love that my husband and I can give that to them. I love that they have wonderful memories of their holidays over the years. I love that they have traditions they look forward to, including the dreaded (my perspective) annual trip to see Santa at the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom, since my oldest was a baby. They have even agreed, at 19 and 21 to go this year, with their 16 year old cousin until she is 18. The girls love it. They love the Gingerbread structures downtown and brunch with the extended family. Traditions matter.
This year, I am excited to have both girls home. Having them both away at college makes this year unique, but exciting in a different way. I love that this week, the local fire department drove through our neighborhood: two fire trucks, an ambulance, Santa and a 5-6 year old handing out candy canes.
Finding the "special" in moments, in the mundane, the positive, the gratitude. It can make things brighter, better for us all. There are always things that don’t work the way we want them to, when we are “just not up to it.” There are times we are not feeling well, did not sleep well or just had a bad day. However, it is the perspective that we choose to focus on that matters. That simple mind shift can make a world of difference when things seem daunting or less than ideal.
I challenge each of us as we end this year and enter into the New Year to ponder this. How can you make this next year a new beginning, a shift to make the world a bit brighter for you and those around you. It does not take a lot. Simply the way you see the world and what you chose to focus on.
