If you're looking for Christmas, I found it

For many this year has been a tough one, and it doesn't matter the reason or circumstance, it perhaps hasn't been your most promising year.  That is often the time we least feel like celebrating Christmas because we are looking for the wrong thing.  We look for the hassle not the blessing.

You will not find Christmas in the department store.  You will not find it standing in line at the post office after hours of wrapping and packing gifts.  You will not find Christmas in your worries about the impact on your budget.  You will not find Christmas when you stress over the cards that were sent late because you had no time.  You will not find Christmas in the stress, worry, or chaos as you work like a madman or woman to force a Christmas to remember on everyone and everything in your path.

Christmas is never found there, because it can't be found in these man made hassles.  The spirit of Christmas can only be found when you realize the things around you that make life special… faith, family and friends.  This is where you will find it.

Live simply, laugh often and celebrate the love that is Christmas.  I found Christmas in the miracle of Christ and the people I love.  Finding Christmas this year was easy… I just had to stop, look and suddenly there it was right where it should be, and I can't wait to make the memories.

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas!