For years I worked in retail stores that made Christmas a very busy part of the year. I never got a single day off from Thanksgiving to New Years. So that I could still enjoy all the things that I love about Christmas, I had to start early. Now that I have a little more free time during the holidays, I still like to do the preparation early and enjoy the rest of the season that much more.
I have had a lot of friends that have told me that I am totally missing out on Thanksgiving. I am skipping over the holiday. I have to say, that I can't disagree more. What a better way to give thanks than to be surrounded by all your favorite things to remind you of what to be thankful for! So, I'm going to start a small list of the things that I am most grateful for. (I write this as I am mesmerized by the twinkling lights on my Christmas tree)
1. My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
2. My loving Heavenly Father
3. My fantastic husband.
4. My 3 gorgeous girls (if you haven't seen their latest pictures & spent time with them lately, you have no idea how gorgeous they really are, on the inside and out)
5. My warm beautiful home
6. My rewarding job
7. My friends (both online and in person)
8. My opportunity to live in Northwest Arkansas (I don't know if my AR friends are grateful to live here, but I think it is a beautiful place to live with amazing people)
9. My great neighbors
10. My supportive ward
11. My fabulous shoe collection
12. My new Miche purses
13. My ever expanding wardrobe
14. My scriptures
15. My calling
16. My dog (I can't believe I just typed that)
17. A refrigerator full of food
18. A well stocked pantry
19. A year supply of chocolate (ok, so this one is just on order, but should be here in the next couple of weeks, and I am most grateful for that, as I currently only have about a 3 month supply)
20. Music
21. My cute red Miata
22. My freedom
23. My health
24. My family's health
25. Sunny November days
26. Chirping birds
27. Warm showers
28. An endless supply of hugs and kisses (not the chocolate kind, but the real kind from sweet girls and their dad)
29. The priesthood
30. Love, peace, hope, & joy
My list could go on and on, but no one really has time to read through an infinite list of gratitudes. As we all celebrate the next two holiday seasons, always remember to give thanks in all things, at all times.
