I hope your day is a Merry one! Isn't that a great word? I love Merry and Joy both, I'm not sure which is my all time favorite word, maybe Joy.
We've tried to make each of those words part of our celebrations. Oh, there have been tummy aches, forgotten homework assignments. a case of the sniffles, and a few reminders that, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit" here and there, but over all, I'd say the season was a joyful success at the cottage.
I've tried to say YES to any and all holiday activities that come my way, plus make up a few of my own to make Christmas last all month, not just a day.
Some days, it can be as simple as a Cindy Lou Who hairstyle after watching the Grinch. Other days, it is cocoa in front of the tree, a special night out, or a ride to look at lights. Big or small, it is the attitude of celebration that brings the fun.
And while I can't keep up the parties year round (without more naps than I'd have time to take for recovering), I think that we can keep up the Joy if we make our best efforts.
I'm thinking about making that my New Year's resolution. To create a smidgeon of Joy or Merriment in each day. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, of course, little things mean a lot. And this happiness should be shared, not saved just for family. It really needs spreading around.
My son is a master of this, and I'd like to emulate some of his moves. Like always asking the name of a store clerk or waiter and using it is one of his ways of acknowledging others and showing care.
There are many more, like: Simply giving smiles to people you pass, or making a joke on a crowded elevator instead of looking at the floor and just waiting for the door to open.
Stop yourself from snapping at your kiddo when you've asked them three times to do something, and try singing the request instead. A silly or unexpected response can turn a day around.
LAUGH! Even if you are all alone but especially with others.
Give a kiss on the head to someone as you walk by (which I have to admit, is a better idea with family than strangers).
Post a picture of pure prettiness on FB and bypass those ugly political arguments.
Compliment when you see something you like, speak up, if a passerby's coat is a great color, or if your husband looks nice in his shirt, or if some one is walking a dog that has very nice manners. Don't just think it, say it out loud when you see something you like!
Remember the power of please and throw in plenty of Thank Yous.
And be thankful-to others, to yourself, and to the world and god for what you have. Slow down and be grateful. Nothing brings more happiness than letting yourself remember all the reasons you have to give thanks.
I guess I'm saying that I want to work on not just noticing the good things around me, but speaking out about them. And also creating moments that count, that might lift my own day as well as another's.
Saying YES to Joy.
Well, maybe I should've saved all of this for New Year's Eve? No, probably not. It is never too early to get started on spreading cheer. And maybe I'll start a new tradition for myself- making Christmas Eve resolutions.
And I'll start my resolution by speaking up about YOU. Thank you to those who take the time to visit me on my blog, for listening to me blather on about what is on my mind, what I think is pretty, what I've made, or about my family and pets.
It's been almost ten years of blogging for me and I've enjoyed every minute of it, and I am both grateful and thankful for all of you on the other end of what I write.
Please have the Merriest and most Joyful of Christmases!
Merriest Christmas and abundant blessings to you and yours!!
I love you! Merry Christmas!!!
To you, too, christee. I hope you are loving the sunny Florida Christmas
Thank you Karla for such a warm and wonderful reminder…I pray & wish you and your family much JOY in 2017. Congrats on your nearly 10 year blog anniversary!
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Karla! I wish you all much JOY this season and for the upcoming year!
Tasha Tudor said it well too…She wrote a book titled, TAKE JOY!
You remind me of her sometimes…Thank you for reminding us of the power of sharing JOY.
🎄💕Merry Christmas Night!💕🎄
Merry Christmas Karla! You bring Joy to those around you! Great blog and reminder to say those “nice things” we notice, out loud! You are a blessing to everyone you meet and I am lucky to call you my friend!❤️
What a compliment, Suzanne! Thanks so much and I hope you had a joyful holiday yourself.
Karla ~ Merry Christmas to you and your family. I visit with you daily (via the blog), but rarely do I comment. I’m going to change that and let you know when there is something especially “joyful”. Thanks and Happy 2017 to you!!!
No, thank you Kark. I will listen to you until the end of days. Love you all. Merry Christmas.
Love this post (and the pictures)!
Thanks for such a great post! Hope your Christmas was a happy one! Looking forward to what you post in 2017.
I think that’s a fabulous goal! One we should all join you in achieving. Wouldn’t the world be better? I’ll pledge to do my best for that as well.
A Happy, Healthy new year for you, Karla!
Thank you for letting us have a peek at your life, and for the inspiration you share with all of us!
Happiest New Year to you!!
~Michelle~
Happy New Year Karla to you and your family. I have been following your blog for quite a few years and i thank you for the inspiration and joy I find in reading your posts.
Your blog was one of the 1st blogs I found in 2011 and I have loved it all! The blogging world is full of creative,lovely, & giving people and I think you are one of the best! I love the word JOY for 2017–will do my part also!
Hugs, Jeannie #2
Thank you for a cheerful and inspiring blog. Your zest for life challenges and inspires me.