It was only today that I was reminded that this is a time of love and reflection. Beyond all commercialism is the true gift and meaning of this holy season. Advent is the beginning of the journey of Christ's love and his short life on earth. He was born in humble surroundings. A King. The Messiah. This is a season of love and giving. The greatest gift we can give is our love.

I give thanks for another year. I do. Sometimes I get off track and so I need to slow down and let life happen, just a little bit. I read the book The Christmas Box to remind me of what truly matters; to me, that is the ultimate gift of the season- If you have never read the story, the book is centered around a man named Richard, a workaholic and how he learned an important lesson about the meaning of Christmas, and the importance of family. Sometimes being reminded of these things is not a bad thing, but, rather a refresher course. Blessings and goodwill to all of you.

The truth of the matter is that the simplicity of flowers colors my world. The poinsettia is such a glorious plant for this time of year, #alwaysaflower If you have followed me for long enough, you know that flowers are a special part of my life. What is not to love about flowers? Unless you are allergic to the pollen. That is no bueno.

I love all the whimsey involved, blended with the folklore. The season of joy, May your burdens be light and your blessings abundant. Twinkle radiantly!! I will be the first to admit that on Hive, the warmth touches the very depths of my heart as your soul shines brightly. I wish you and all your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. ❤️

All I have are my words, armed in my mind, written in pen, stand by stand. Oh, yes. Still by hand. It has a different feel. Altered not by keys, backspace, and delete, I write, erase, tear it to pieces and start all over again. And again.

Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Some days, it is not as easy to see, just how wonderful it really is. Me, I try to do my part. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

So he paused. And the Grinch put his hand to his ear.
And he did hear a sound rising over the snow.
It started in low. Then it started to grow.
But the sound wasn't sad! Why, this sound sounded merry!
It couldn't be so! But it WAS merry! VERY!
He stared down at Whoville! The Grinch popped his eyes!
Then he shook! What he saw was a shocking surprise!
Every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small,
Was singing! Without any presents at all!
He HADN'T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME!
Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?"
"It came with out ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”

~Dr. Suess