They look ordinary, yet, each and every one of them has a story. Old with new, handmade or handed down, each has a place on the Christmas tree, our tree. Each time we take them out of the box, lives are relived, people are remembered and perhaps a new memory will be made. One of the ways our traditions are born — at under the Christmas Tree.

A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year; He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season is here; Then he's thinking more of others than he's thought the months before, And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for. He is less a selfish creature than at any other time; When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime. ~Edgar Albert Guest

Oh, Christmas! I love thee! I take pleasure in the warmth of the season, letting it wrap me in a blanket of delight. There is that glow in these lingering moments. And suddenly Christmas is borne into your heart. May your burdens be light and your blessings abundant. Twinkle radiantly!!

I revel in the air of Christmas. I do. There is just that certain magic, with the memorable carols quietly playing in the background of my mind. The smells that you can only associate with Christmas… a mixture of certain spices, Christmas trees, and candy canes with that peppermint twist. Decorations are everywhere, lights are shining bright and people are generally nicer, if not downright pleasant. Focus on the good and the less good becomes a blur.

Peace on Earth, goodwill to men.

Nothing sparkles like love and laughter. Try it on; the transformation is magical. Christmas bling.Yes, please.

Just about every ornament on my tree has a story. Every time I look at this one, I feel the love, radiating out from my tree. Their kitchen was the heart of the universe, with something frequently cooking… just in case someone came hungry. I miss the twinkle in Grandpa’s eyes as he recounts stories of days gone by. He came from the generation of people helping people, there to lend a hand, refusing any payment, but left these words with you instead: “the only sort of payment that will do any good - is if you have an occasion to help someone, I hope you will be equally as kind."

Oh, the ornaments on my tree are as varied as the memories that they stir up — at The house of Wigle

Santa has a monopoly on the elves this year, so to prevent a meltdown, I take a break every now and then. After all, it is six pm somewhere, right? Read a book, listen to music, sip a cup of something…anything that isn't remotely related to your holiday to-do list! Ah, refreshed and ready to go, go, go!!!

Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post again and again, I am encouraged by you, for the time you take to visit, comment or even upvote. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful. Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Let's hold hands around the globe and make this earth really spin. Some days, it is not as easy to see, how wonderful it really is. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

they set my aunts house on fire i cried the way women on tv do folding at the middle like a five pound note. i called the boy who use to love me tried to ‘okay’ my voice i said hello he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying, and these are what my prayers look like; dear god i come from two countries one is thirsty the other is on fire both need water.

later that night i held an atlas in my lap ran my fingers across the whole world and whispered, "where does it hurt?" it answered,

"everywhere" "everywhere" "everywhere"

warsan shire