“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love”
~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

Holiday Magic and My Favorite Things

The holidays of Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and New Year’s have officially begun, and I am so excited as it unfolds each special gift. What a wonderful time when all is focused on love and giving – the sentiment, the change in focus, the energy and the opportunity for celebration, gathering and stopping to give thanks and outwardly show our love are the things I love most about it.  Even though these qualities can and do occur year round, for some reason, there is a bit of magic that infiltrates everything this time of year.  And I love it!

Today I want to wish each of you a very happy holiday season!  To start it out right, here are a few of my favorite things to remind you of the magic that is all around us. These are the simple beauties that inspire and motivate me. I invite you to take a minute and share with me what inspires you too.
Love and hugs – Sandy

A Few of My Favorite Holiday Things:

• a crackling, cozy fire in the fireplace
• decadent hot chocolate topped with homemade whipped cream
• listening to Carpenters Christmas album
• drinking eggnog
• looking at the cards at Papyrus
• being with my two wonderful grown up kids
• going to pick out the Christmas tree
• making and eating squash casserole (for my recipe go to: http://wp.me/p14m59-10R)
• rubbing up against the Christmas trees at the tree seller and taking the pine scent home on my coat
• cooking with my family and the mayhem in the kitchen
• drinking hot spiced tea by the fire

• presents under the tree
• fresh baked pumpkin pie with real whipped cream
• hanging a lights and decorating the front porch
• drinking wine and baking with friends
• creating the perfect holiday cards to send to special friends
• watching classic holiday films – It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street
• shopping for little stocking stuffers
• hitting the $1 section at Target and sending “care” boxes to my loved ones
• snow flakes falling on Christmas Eve
• listening to and singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas“
• laying under my mom’s HUGE Christmas tree like a kid
• snow sledding under the full moon

• hanging the stockings by the fireplace for my kids and granddogs
• mom’s stockings that she hangs over her mantel and the surprises they contain
• shopping for treasures and special ornaments
• taking chilly walks and stomping through the colorful leaves
• Bing Crosby, Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, MJB holiday music
• learning about and experiencing how others celebrate their holidays
• donating time or singing for local charities or special schools
• hosting a festive gathering at my home for special friends and family
• having coffee and shuffling around the house early in the morning in my cozy pajamas
• a chance to reflect on the amazing year I experienced
• endless scarves to choose from

• city streets and trees outlined in colorful lights
• going out in the neighborhood and doing some old-fashioned Christmas caroling with the family
• wrapping presents with beautiful papers and ribbons
• pumpkin bread with a homemade latte topped with cinnamon
• spending more time with my parents and family, loved ones and friends
• dressing up and going out to dinner for a special holiday night
• quiet walks and talks with family after we have eaten the holiday turkey
• an opportunity for a fresh start
• new chances to love and give

Wishing you a grateful heart, unconditional love and abiding peace – Happy Holidays!

Other posts on SaturdaySoul:
A world created from passion – passion has it’s downfalls, but how could we live without it?
love’s the only gift worth giving – we look for what will heal and comfort us, but it is right here in front of us!
Dazed in an Ice Cocoon – sometimes we think we will die in our icy little cocoon, but we will emerge again.
You Will Receive Wisdom on Your Journey – don’t forget to grab a little wisdom along the way!