So I decided to write more of a personal blog and share what Christmas means to me and the emotions this time of year bring up for me.
If you don’t know by now from reading my bio or previous blogs I am from Limerick Ireland. I will be celebrating Christmas eve and day here in New York with my kids and extended family and then I will be on a plane the next day Shannon bound to limerick Ireland.
I was inspired to write this because of my parents Christmas card this year.
Every year my Dad, starts to write the family card no kidding in October, he probably is one of the most nostalgic men I know. Not only does he create the card he sits for days writing letters to everyone he knows. My Dad has had a very interesting career and life, he absolutely never forgets anyone he meets. He is an amazing story teller and he loves to hear other peoples stories, of course this is in our DNA as the Irish love to chat with a cup tea.
My Mom and Dad never put much emphasis on presents, they taught us it’s about memories, it’s about being with each other, it’s about the memories which you can’t put a price on. It’s about story telling and going down memory lane, it’s about visiting your neighbor, it’s about cooking the traditional meals that once you smell and taste them it brings you right back to your childhood. It’s about remembering those that are not with us any more especially my grandparents. I wasn’t fortunate to know either of my grandfathers as they both had passed before I was born but I learned a lot about them from my grandmothers. Both my grandmothers were probably two of the wisest women I ever came across.
This year I have a new nephew to meet who was born on December 12th, grateful for his new life and all my other nieces and nephews. Excited to see my brothers and sister and their families.
I get very emotional once the wheels go down and I look out and see Ireland from the sky as we approach and as it touches down on Irish soil and pretty much every time tears flow. They are always happy tears, knowing how much love awaits me once I walk through the gates at the airport. My Mom and Dad are always there waiting for me.
Whatever religion you are, whatever race you are, whatever you believe in my wish for you this season is Love joy and peace in your heart. I know for some people this is not an easy time of year especially for those that have lost loved ones… My message for you is “They are always with you!” If you are lonely, I pray your loneliness leaves you! If you are sick I pray you are healed!
My parents saying on their Christmas card this year is
“There are no strangers here just friends who haven’t met!”
Don’t be afraid to smile and say hello to a stranger for you never know they may become your forever friend!
Wishing you all so much love this Christmas season!
Much love and gratitude to you all!
Namaste!
Anne Marie