A Little Dose Of Gratitude: Merry Christmas

I take part in a weekly linkup called Ten Things of Thankful which is like a gratitude journal, except that multiple people do it and you get to read about all the wonderful things that they’re thankful for besides yourself!

I decided to join this linkup as a way of reminding myself how lucky I am, which can sometimes be difficult when life throws you a curve ball or two. If you’d like to find out more about the linkup, or join in, then you can click on the image below.

I wanted to say a ‘Merry Christmas’ to all the people at the Ten Things of Thankful linkup. I hope your time is enjoyable and not-too-stressful.

I confess that I struggle with this time of year as it’s emphasised to be a ‘family time’, which only serves to highlight the family members who aren’t around to celebrate it with me anymore. It’s been hard to remind myself of the good I have in my life at this time of year, but here are a few things I came up with:

Fairy lights. This one may sound silly but there’s something about fairy lights which reminds me of the magic of life. I put the Christmas tree up for the first time in six years and decided it needed some lights, so I bought some. Once the tree comes down I’ll be putting the lights around the fireplace 🙂

Helping the pooch and kitty open their presents on Christmas morning. Last year I filmed my husband ‘helping’ the pooch open her Christmas goodies. She was beyond excited and disappeared into a corner with her treats. Then it came to filming our feline friend, who, after not showing any interest in his new catnip mouse, flounced off into the kitchen unimpressed with our efforts!

My husband. We have this ‘thing’ each year where we agree not to spend too much on each other as money isn’t in abundance, but then my husband proceeds to ask me whether I’d like various items for Christmas where I have to tell him to reign it in! It’s nice that he puts so much thought into it 🙂

Food. I like to stay healthy, but there’s also a part of me which likes to switch off for a few days over Christmas and eat whatever I fancy. Come the new year I’ll be back to healthy eating and exercising so it’s nice to let my hair down. I’m particularly partial to Christmas pudding!

Friends. I met up with a friend the other day and we had some food and drinks. It was great to catch up with her and spend some quality time together. I’m glad I have such a good friend where I feel comfortable to talk about all manner of things.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone, and here’s to a bright 2018 🙂