Thanksgiving bringing on Christmas.

Unless you have been living in a dark cave, you know the holiday season is in full-force.  Yes, we all know it is not even Thanksgiving yet but, let’s be honest folks; we need all the time we can get to actually get ready for Christmas.  Thanksgiving eases us into and warms us up for the December holidays.

Many people really like that Thanksgiving doesn’t have all the glitz that comes with the December holidays.  It’s a less complicated holiday with a good (albeit pesky to prepare) meal and a reminder to be thankful for all that we have.  It’s like the sensible shoes or Gap jeans of Christmas.  It’s a terrific product and great day.

But, for anyone who knows me, I rarely wear sensible shoes or Gap jeans.  Not that I don’t love both, however, I am a more glitz, high-heel, Big Star kinda girl.  I love sparkles. l love presents.  I love giving presents.  I love parties. I love shopping.  I love dressing up. I love socializing.  I love food.  I love good company. I love my family. I love the magic that comes with believing in Santa. I love having a good excuse to throw a party.  Basically, Christmas is my kind of holiday.  For me, it’s perfect.

So I say bring it on…the earlier the better. Once the weather gets cold and it gets dark at 4:43 pm, Christmas is a huge picker upper.  The decorations are cheery and bright.  The songs bring promise and joy. There are sparkles EVERYWHERE.  I don’t even mind shopping at Home Depot during the holidays, because they have holiday villages, decorations and lots of sparkles.

I also realize that the holidays are not always happy times for everyone. Especially those who are in poor health or cannot afford to shop for loved ones.  However another great thing about Christmas (and all the December holidays) is that many people realize the depth of their blessings and they give back.  There is an outpouring of support during the holiday season that can sometimes get lost during the year.  The importance of having is very apparent.  Those of us who have should always give to those that don’t.  Christmas should remind everyone of that very important fact. 

Be sure to take the time to make a difference in someone else’s life this holiday season. You do not have to give lots of money or presents.  There are plenty of ways to give…deliver a meal for Meals on Wheels, donate your old coat to a homeless shelter, volunteer to serve food, or send a greeting card to a soldier. If you have extra money (and most of us do), buy some new clothes or toys for those who need them. It is never too early to start making a difference. And, you never know when you might need someone to make a difference in your life. Believe in the magic of Santa Claus and the power we have to change lives every single day. 

So as we are preparing to stuff our faces this week, I will be playing my holiday music, busting out my Christmas decorations, making my shopping lists and deciding on where I will give back throughout the year.  There is no shortage of need so really think about what's important to you.  There is nothing like helping someone else to have a great holiday season, just because you can.  Love is in the giving. That is powerful and it really sparkles. 

Gobble Gobble

xo~

Elizabeth

New York City

There is just something about New York City that gives me an extra hop in my step. I absolutely love the place. It has almost everything a girl can and would ever need. Restaurants, shopping, shows, art, culture, excitement, fun, danger and much, much more. I love coming to the big city and feeling so small but also feeling as though the possibilities are endless.

New York is a melting pot where you can be anything you want. People come to New York from all over the world to explore, to be free, to discover and to rediscover. It's a city of bright lights and big dreams. All walks of life are accepted there. And despite what some might say, the locals (in my experience) are very nice.

When I was expressing or gushing about my love for New York, I realized that not everyone felt the same. Some thought it was too crowded or too dirty or too dangerous or too overwhelming. One friend told me a story from his childhood about being miserable walking the streets of New York. I, on the other hand, walked the streets with my youth league and I couldn't get enough. Funny how everyone is different.

Here's the thing for me...I embrace this amazing city with open arms for so many reasons. Like me, the city is non-traditional. It doesn't judge me for not doing things the way "they are supposed to be done". Coming from a town referred to as Smallitimore, New York couldn't be more opposite. In a small city you can get lost in the lack of, the missed chances or keeping up with the Jones'. But New York doesn't care where I went to high school or what kind of car I drive. It's much bigger than that and much bigger than me. It has depth of character, beautiful diversity, perpetual hope, constant action (if you want it), amazing restaurants and shopping and limitless potential and opportunities. For me it's inspiring and thrilling. Several times a year I like to be challenged to be different, inspired to be more and pushed to aware of all of this. Most of all, it gives me perspective outside of my usual and helps me embrace all that I have in my home town. It leaves me feeling grateful and settled.

I can't wait to get there!!


Xo ~
Elizabeth