Surprise! I didn’t even say my first, “Merry Christmas!” until this evening and it still felt a little odd at the time. It doesn’t feel like Christmas. I’ve been working the long hours at work (cringe worthy moment of the day when my boss looks at me and says, “Why are you here? You’re supposed to be off today!) and the single life hasn’t been terribly kind to me since I returned to the States back in February.

Needless, this Grinch needed a dose of Christmas tonight and I got a partial dose. Kids at church wishing you a Merry Christmas in their exuberant and energetic smiles does help bring one back from the brink.

It also sometimes helps to stop for a moment and look around at what surrounds you. I’m going to strive to do more of this and share what I see around this great city with you all. The two pictures below are what I found just outside my apartment this evening around 4:30pm. The lone leaf gave me a small smile, reminding me that the snow flies and the wind blows but there’s still a small light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes all it takes is simple things to remind us life is as great as we make it despite all that we face.

The other great Christmas reminder was at my church tonight. A giant tree that was ornately decorated from top to bottom. I snapped this picture and then just stood there eyes wide at the glowing lights blinking back at me. Finding beauty in the midst of the rat race can be a challenge but it’s great when Christmas rolls into town because all around you are the bright lights and beautiful decorations.

As we get closer to Christmas I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas to you and your own. The Christmas season is time to share time with family and friends. Hug those close to you and share the laughter of the moment while you have it. I know as I grow older I treasure seeing my parents and brother during the holidays because I know the moment I’m out the door and on my way to the airport I’m going to have to resist the urge to turn the car around and get one last hug.

Merry Christmas everyone!