Happy New Year's Eve

Another year has come and almost gone. For many, 2016 was nothing short of a disaster. We had a lot of deaths, tragedies, and the drama of this year's Presidential election has really taken a toll on us. But it hasn't all been bad.

There have been really good days spent with family and friends. I've read good books. Seen good movies. 

I didn't achieve some of my goals, which I'm not surprised about. Honestly, I forgot what they even were. The one that sticks out is reading 100 books. I only read 86. Close, but not quite. I'm going to attempt that one again for 2017.

There are other things I'd like to do. Adventures I'd like to go on, goals I'd like to meet. This time I'm going to type out a list, print it out, and hang it somewhere I can see it every day. I know there are people who don't understand New Year's Resolutions. Most people break them within the first few days. Most, like me, forget them. 

But here's the magic behind a new year. It's a whole year long. 365 days. The amount of opportunity in each day is incredible. We can make a change at any time we desire. 

New Year's Eve is the time to reflect on the past twelve months and decide what could make the next ones even better. Changes could be made, or new goals could be set and achieved. It's exciting to start a new chapter.

So Happy New Year's Eve. And may 2017 be everything you want, and may you have the courage and opportunities to make that happen.   

Merry Christmas

Have a Merry Christmas! 

Like every year, this day is passing too quickly. In fact, the whole month seems to have blown by. I can't believe we're already here.

I am grateful for the beautiful gifts I've received from loved ones. I'm even more grateful for the opportunity to give them presents that they love. It's very enjoyable to watch people opening something I've purchased for them, or sometimes made them, and see them smiling because I didn't do too bad of a job. 

I'm trying to keep the reason for the season in my mind and in my heart today. We celebrate the ultimate gift, our Savior, and his birth. 

This year, I'd like to be more like him and love without limits like he did. There are so many lessons to take from Christ, from his service to his patience and his heart. 

2017 has the potential to be as fantastic as I make it. I want to be a better person. I want to bring the sort of happiness into others' lives like a simple thoughtful gift does at Christmas. 

Be safe. Be joyous. Be loving. Be merry.

Happy holidays!

Christmas

I love Christmas. Some of the magic has faded over the years, the childlike wonder probably, but it's still my favorite holiday. The lights, the atmosphere, the decorations, the reason for the season, the music, the family parties, and yes, the presents. I won't lie, I love receiving presents. I love unwrapping something someone I love thought I'd like. I also love watching someone I love unwrapping a present I thought they'd like.

This year I wanted to try and resurrect some of the magic. I've bought a little tree and I'm planning on decorating my office at work. I'll also bring alone the little Nativity scene I have.

I want to spread some cheer. I want people who don't even know me to feel a little happier having talked to me. I'm so tired of my negativity, I want to change it, and December is the perfect month to make that change.

And I want to focus more on what this time of year means to me. It's my celebration of the birth of Christ. He was the greatest gift ever given, and he was given in love. 

Merry Christmas, everyone!