I SIMPLY REMEMBER MY FAVORITE THINGS: Annual Holiday Blog (December)

 Once again, Christmas is in the air, hopefully bringing us warm memories of time well spent with those we love. Better than the presents we give and receive is the presence we offer to our friends and family—time spent truly savoring each other's company, setting aside all daily stresses and responsibilities, if only for a little while. Taking time to stop and look at all the beauty around us, engage in deep conversation, and enjoy the beauty of nature here in the desert is important. Now, perhaps more than ever, these are good ways to refocus, set new goals for the upcoming year, and empower ourselves to pursue our dreams. Another way is to stop and consider all the things we love—those things that make us smile, and for which we are so grateful. Then, we can put pen to paper.

Christmas is the best time to do this, for sure, but it is important, as our dear friend Charles Dickens suggests, to "keep Christmas alive and well in our hearts all the year through."  As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024, I am once again renewing the "My Favorite Things" post: an annual activity to make a list of the things that each of us holds most dear--those things we love and cherish in this life.

 
So, to review for those who have done this before, and to introduce to those who are new to the blog this year, here are the rules for the annual Favorite Things post:  Make a list of your 25 most favorite THINGS. The key word is THINGS.  No people allowed on your list!  That removes the pressure you may feel to name every family member and friend.  People and things should never be categorized together.  People come first.  This list is much more light-hearted!  (I will, however, allow you to include animals/pets on this list in addition to things).

This was REALLY tougher than I thought to narrow it down to 25 for me (initially, I was afraid I would draw a blank!) but here is what came to mind this year first for me.  Try to just take pen to paper and write what comes to your mind first.  These will probably be the most honest.  :)

Let's begin this beautiful Christmas Season, and ring in the New Year with a list of all the things we love...those things for which we are most grateful, shall we?

MRS. CARAWAY'S FAVORITE THINGS...(in no particular order)

1.  Gothic Cathedrals and Cathedral bells- especially those of my favorite at Notre Dame.
2.  The sound of my son Christian playing the piano.
3.  European Christmas Market (and the smell of roasting chestnuts)
4.  Ice-skating
5.  Ballet and pointe shoes
6.  France - Paris, Normandy, and Alsace.  I love it all.

   

7. WW2 history and historical fiction

8. GREAT Writing and Wordsmithery
9. Pretty shoes and long, soft cardigans.
10. Narnia, wardrobes, & Aslan (not necessarily in that order)
11. The sound of the ocean 
12. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  
13. Things that sparkle (candlelight, glitter, jewels, the ocean in the moonlight)
14. Shakespeare School Festival: There is nothing quite like watching my students perform Shakespeare on a stage in London! 
15. My pets, Katya and Maggie, and their unconditional love example.
16. Tapas and wine with my family

17. Thunderstorms...with lightening

18. The sound of my children laughing out loud together, all in the same room.
19. A well-told story.
20. Unbridled JOY
21. Unexpected discoveries around hidden corners in my travels through Europe
22. My faith and the mystery of GRACE.
23. Perfume! (Suite 302 by Victoria Beckham is my current fave)
24. Riding on Airplanes to new and exciting places.
25. HOPE.  It does spring eternal.

Now, it's your turn... 

Make YOUR list....and remember, it cannot include people.  It must be a list of things (which may include sounds and feelings).  

May this mark an attitude of gratitude in your heart, that you may keep the joy and love of Christmas all year through!