Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Season of Giving

Last year my good friend Candace gave me this inspirational stack of quotes in a hand painted birthday card. I pinned the card on my "special board," and placed the quotes in my top desk drawer. Each morning I open the drawer and pull out the top quote, read it, meditate on it, and then put it on the bottom of the stack. I have never shared these particular quotes on my blog, but this one just seemed appropriate this week, for a couple of reasons.

My stack of birthday quotes from my friend, Candace
The first is obvious, this is the "season of giving." But secondly, I received a call from my mother this morning telling me that if I was wondering what to get her and dad for Christmas (she knows I've been unusually behind this year...see this post :-), that she would be so pleased if we donated to St. Jude's in her name. St. Jude's Children's Hospital holds a special place in Mom's heart and she runs a campaign for them every Spring. Mom also knows that I've been working toward making giving to those in real need the center of our Christmas and enjoying more authentic pursuits within our family. Today when I dropped by her house, she gave me an angel for my angel tree. I think I'll put a little tag on it that says "I'm a St. Jude's Angel." I think this and today's little quote are affirmations :-).


I have to admit that I have struggled with making the transition from a deep seated Christmas Morning tradition. We all sit around with fresh hot cinnamon rolls, mimosas, coffee, or hot cocoa in snowman mugs while we open our gorgeous embroidered stockings.Then we take turns opening our beautifully gifts. It takes a couple of hours. Afterward we enjoy a beautifully prepared brunch and later on Mom, Dad, my brother and nephews join us for an equally beautiful dinner.

I shared last week, that this year we've decided to make our "in family" gift giving much more simple, more meaningful and as Christmas draws nearer, I am nervous. While I am confident we have raised compassionate and generous young people, I am still nervous. :-) Excited...fulfilled...but yes, nervous. Have a wonderful weekend. ~ Blessings, Janet

17 comments:

  1. I think that wonderful that you have a special "theme" (for lack of a better word) for Christmas. It keeps the anticipation all the more exciting! It sounds like you always have a wonderful holiday!

    Came over from Java's site. Off to read some more!

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  2. Hi Janet,

    My family is doing much the same this Christmas. We are scaling down to to enjoy Christmas in a more simple and meaningful way. We have asked that donations be made to a special charity on our behalf for those who had planned to give gifts to us. We are beyond blessed. Have a wonderful weekend and a very blessed Christmas, Candace

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  3. What a great idea... I love your friend's gift to you of quotes. How wonderful to be able to pull them out and meditate on various ones throughout the year.

    New follower here. Happy Friday!

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  4. Hi I'm new around these parts. Sorry I can't stay long. I'm on a 40+ years and older hop. (copy/paste day for me today) Trying to say howdy to everyone I can before my Dr. appointment. Hop back. Hook up your Hop. Enter my Giveaway. Need some people to enter. I'd enter myself but that would be weird. LOL Check out Handmade With Love Winter Giveaway. I'll stop again when I have more time.
    Laurie at Grandma Sez So
    http://grandma-sez-so.blogspot.com/2010/12/are-you-over-40-do-you-blog-come-on.html

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  5. Hello, lovely tree. I am following from Follow Friday 40 and Over. Hope you can visit my blog.

    www.jamfiescreations1.blogspot.com

    Mary O

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  6. What a wonderful idea. I'm sure it will take a minute to get used to it, but once you do, I'm sure it will be amazing for you all.:)

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  7. That is a wonderful idea. Change can be scary but it can also provide tremendous growth. I think that you'll all have a wonderful morning and start a new tradition. I'll look forward to hearing how it goes!

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  8. I LOVE simple giving.
    Its so wonderful
    The tree is GORGEOUS

    xoxo
    bB

    P.s. Stopping by from FMBT
    and Im a new follower

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  9. Yeay it's tueasday and I'm following you on Google Friend Connect.
    Would love for you to visit my site and follow me back =D

    http://sockertussen.blogspot.com/

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  10. New follower from FMBT! Hope you can stop by and return the follow :)

    http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/

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  11. Happy holidays! I’m now following your neat blog from Follow Me Back Tuesday. My Facebook page “Inspire” has inspiring messages. Stop by!

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inspire/338562522284?ref=ts

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  12. Stopping by via the Tuesday hops to say hello and to follow. Have a great day!
    http://poshonabudget.com/2010/11/welcome-tuesday-friends-2.html

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  13. new follower here from Follow Me Back Tuesday! would love a follow back :)
    http://www.mommamaven.com

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  14. Your newest follower here from FMBT please follow me back here@ Step It Up!

    Thanks :)

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  15. I am a new follower today. I am so excited to have found you via the wandering wednesday hop. You have a beautiful blog! May you be blessed this year as you start a new tradition...lovely, lovely, lovely.

    melody
    melody-mae.blogspot.com

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  16. Janet, that was such a touching post. I love the inspirational quotes given by a friend, your St. Jude's angel and your Christmas traditions. Your morning sounds identical to ours and I am really curious to hear how yours went. Ours gets a bit out of control...to much chocolate and DVD's, things that add up quickly and make you stop and think. I am going to change it next year and your post has made me realise that it is time. Imagine how hassle free the holidays would be for all if we put limits and put that money where it is needed most. Thank you for such an inspiring post :)
    Jeanne xxx

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  17. Hope your Christmas went well!

    Just hopping on over! I found you on the blog hop. Please follow me too!
    http://ozarkmamareviews.blogspot.com

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