Joy to the World

poinsettias, red and white poinsettias, holiday wishes, Anne Butera, My Giant Strawberry

Whether you celebrate Christmas and/or Hanukkah and/or the Solstice and/or have different traditions altogether (I do hope you celebrate something!), I'm wishing that your celebrations, large or small, shiny or cozy, bring you peace and love and joy.

Sometimes it's hard to find things to celebrate or time in which to fully, truly celebrate them. Life is fast paced and stressful. News is heartbreaking. But I think it's so important that we take time to honor the good things. Each day there's something to celebrate in our beautiful, magical world. Each day there's something for which to give thanks (try this daily ritual if you're feeling skeptical).

Tomorrow is Matthias' birthday and we are truly going to celebrate! I am so grateful that he is healthy and that we are beginning to move forward with our life together. Each day is a gift, friends. Each day is something to celebrate. (Here's a good reminder of that).

I'm grateful for you, dear readers. Thank you for being here. Thank you for encouraging me, supporting me, cheering me on.

Wishing you joy and love and peace, today, this weekend and every day.

Comments

  1. Gorgeous photo Anne! Wishing Matthias a truly Happy Birthday tomorrow and a wonderful holiday season to you and your family. :)

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    1. Thank you, Simone! I hope your holiday was joyful, peaceful and filled with love.

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  2. Lovely post, Anne, and so true. We must make time to celebrate, to be thankful for what we have been given and to extend thanks to the Giver. I begin each day with a quiet time spent with God. I read a scripture and meditate on it. Sometimes something strikes me that I write in my journal. Now that it's so dark in the morning I light a candle after this time of reading and just sit quietly and let the Lord's love fill my heart as I talk to Him. I've been doing the candle and sitting quietly part for the past week and it has made such a difference in my creativity. I feel His presence all around me as I create and I believe my imagination is more vivid. His gift to me, I'm certain. I'm so glad Matthias is doing well. I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow celebrating his birthday. xo ~ Nancy

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! It sounds like you have created a healing, nurturing ritual to put your days on the right path.

      Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with much creativity and joy!

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  3. Sometimes a brush with the scariest things in life gives us a better appreciation of what is right under our noses. This has been a year filled with challenges and triumphs for you and Matthias. I'm sure I'm not the only My Giant Strawberry reader who has let out a sigh of relief for you both more than once this year! And all of your fabulous successes, Anne...just delightful!

    I'm hoping that as many of us brace ourselves for a very uncertain new year, we will find the best in ourselves, and respond to whatever comes next with courage, creativity and love. So glad you are here, dear friend. Sending you and your sweet family best holiday wishes from the Green Mountains of Vermont. (Please give the boys a few scitchy scratches under their chins for me)

    xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Karen! It means so much to have you cheering for me.

      I hope your holiday was beautiful and peaceful and filled with love and joy.

      (The boys send snuffles back your way!)

      xo

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  4. Happy holidays and celebrations to you both! Enjoy a sweet respite from everyday cares, focusing on the stuff that matters: family (including the furry kind), friends, nature and refreshments!

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    1. Thank you, Sharon! I hope your holiday was wonderful, filled with all those things that matter!

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  5. Thank you for always inspiring me! Warm wishes to you and Matthias.

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    1. Thank you, Ishrat! So glad to know this space brings you inspiration all the way across the globe!

      Warm wishes to you, too!

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  6. Love to you and Matthias this holiday season, Anne! xo

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    1. Thank you, Judy! Love to you and your family, too. I hope you had a wonderful time with Kate and her boyfriend in town.

      xo

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