Who Will You Be in 2011?

The curtain is about to close on 2010 and everyone is talking about resolutions, goals, plans for the new year. I'd like to kick up a discussion on that topic too, if you'll help me out.

If you were guaranteed to achieve your wildest, deepest dream what would it be? Pretend this blog can grant you that one special wish. How do you invision yourself at the end of 2011? Right now there are no obstacles. How do you feel in this new place? How do you look? What words come to mind to describe yourself? What are others saying about you? Go ahead, take a deep breath, and imagine. Now write it down.

I hope all your dreams come true.

10 Favorite Things This Time of Year

My top ten favorite things about this time of year:

Giving - I love that joyous and wondrous look on some one's face when they've unwrapped a gift.

Christmas songs - "Winter Wonderland" sung by Johnny Mathis. No Christmas is complete without it.

Going Christmas caroling - which I've only done while riding in a trolley, but fun none the less.

Christmas lights - The more lights you have on your house the more religious you are. (Just kidding!!!!!) But they are festive.

My Christmas tree - Yes, it's mine. I don't share it. The kids have their own.

Baking cookies - First of all, who doesn't love cookies? Second, it's a great bonding moment with loved ones.

Getting together with friends - Which I really don't have time for because I'm busy baking the cookies, decorating the tree, and buying the gifts! Kidding again!

Sharing traditions - Do you have any?

Did I mention cookies?

Oh, how could I almost forget - getting something in the mail worth seeing! The happy faces of friends of family - Holiday Cards!

What's your favorite thing about this time of year?

What Do You Want for Christmas?

It's that time of year again. You've probably got family members and friends asking you what you want for Christmas (or Hanukkah or whatever gift giving holiday you celebrate this time of year.)

You know what I want? Kindness. That's it. Simple, right?

I am blessed with all the material items I could need, but what I don't seem to have enough of is kindness from others. Random acts of kindness from strangers. Most of my aquiantances share kind moments. I say most because not everyone I know is always kind. Sorry. That's the truth and maybe this holiday season they'll get a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

What kind of acts of kindness do you befall on your fellow man? Do you let someone get in front of you in the check out line? Do you hold the door for the person behind you? Do you say "thank you" to the person holding the door for you? How many times a day do you smile at a stranger? Did you ever think that your smile, simple and free, could change the life of the person you've given it to? Think about it the next time you're in a rush and your head is filled with your "to do" list. Think about the kindness you could offer this time of year when others are alone, cold, hungry, or afraid.

I leave you with the kind words of Tiny Tim, "God Bless Us. Everyone!"