Not your typical blog, sorry.

Today I went to the mall to try and finish up some Christmas shopping.  I had a few things on my list that were for me. I never ask for anything. I need nothing, I want nothing material.

I did have a new curling iron on my list as ever since I got my hair cut I have loved it and decided I would like a new curling iron. I choose a store where I knew the owner so I could support someone I knew.

I entered the store and the owner greeted me with a huge smile and asked how I was. I used to teach him kettlebells at a local gym. I told Rob I wanted a new curling iron.  While purchasing the curling iron he said to me, "Why isn't this on your list for Ken to purchase"?

Then it really hit home. How much would it mean to me to have this curling iron under the tree purchased by someone else? I mean, I can afford to buy it, why should Ken buy it? It's not sentimental, it's not meaningful, it's not of any value really.  This really got me thinking about what Christmas is really about.

I came home and watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". It's a yearly tradition, I watch it by myself and reflect on how lucky I am to have a wonderful husband, two amazing children, 4 wonderful step-children, 4 incredible Grandbabies, 3 brothers and  2 sisters and my dog Lexi. May god bless my parents in heaven I miss them so much this time of year and our dog Rogan. My heart is so heavy missing them all.

Every year it seems to be the same thing.  Christmas is so commercialized and so much about gifts we forget the real value in Christmas. It's about family and friends. It's about getting together because we can, because we have time and because it's a celebration of life. I am ten fold guilty of this, buying too much, spending so much money when none of that matters. This year I am changing.

It saddens me to see so much negativity in the world. I wish for nothing but peace and happiness all around and to be with my family who means the most to me.  I know it's so difficult especially for blended families to try and fit everyone in for visiting. All I ask is you do your best and do what means the most to you. Everything else comes second.

Take the time for the ones you love, the ones who mean the most and the ones who care about you. Regardless of distance, regardless of hard feelings, regardless of whatever restrictions you put in the way. Yes it's busy but so what.  Someday there won't be another Christmas with everyone and regrets are hard to live with.

I wish for all of you the best of the Holiday Season. Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your loved ones in 2018.

#MerryChristmas #dontbeagrinch #family