and to all a lovely night!

I have always said that the best part of Christmas is the anticipation and pre celebrations. This Christmas it is especially the case for me.

Since moving back home and to the winter weather in the north, I have spent much time purchasing cold weather gear in anticipation of snowy and colder days ahead. I have boots, coats, vests, scarves, hats, gloves, and headbands. I have beautiful sweaters, sweatshirts and plenty of long pants and leggings. I could probably furnish clothing for the cast of Hallmark and I’m broke!

Our first snowfall came this past Monday and it was quite beautiful. It stuck around for a few days, but no chance of a white Christmas at this point with temps trending up in to the 50’s by Christmas day.

I have spent a lot of time with family and it’s been wonderful. We went to see “Straight No Chaser” at the Playhouse- an annual event for my family the past couple of years. We also had a cookie baking day at one of my sister’s houses and had a blast. We were all adorned in the appropriate headbands of reindeer antlers, Santa hats and Elves with bells and laughed a lot, all while listening to everyone’s favorite Christmas tunes. We have spent numerous days shopping, eating out and getting into the holiday spirit. We also had a baby shower for a cousin and how wonderful it was to see my Aunt Rosie after so many years and many of my cousins! How sweet it is!

But after the baby shower, I started experiencing some symptoms of a head cold. Long story short, I ended up getting Covid for Christmas. It led me to an exciting evening to my local Hospital- which is quite nice I might add- but I could have lived without a tour of the ER. As it turned out, my tachycardia lead me to to a CAT scan and I had pneumonia in my right lung.

So Christmas gatherings were canceled, as a few other family members have also received the same gift from the public that I did. So here I sit on Christmas Eve wishing friends and family a Merry Christmas safely from my phone. I feel much better, but have a follow up appointment with my Doctor a few days after Christmas. I have many questions regarding my hearts ability to beat at 156 beats/min and needing a shot of Adenosine to shock it back to normal. At least they didn’t have to literally shock me with the paddles! I was wondering why all the staff were clapping when my heart went back to a normal beat, but they were happy they didn’t have to shock me. (It’s a good thing I didn’t understand exactly what was happening at that moment or I’d probably still be traumatized.)

So a little Covid, a bit of pneumonia and a rapid heart beat caused a surge of excitement, but all is well. I found out how wonderful and considerate my new neighbor is, as she got a call from me out of the blue that evening to ask for help. It was going on 11:00pm when they decided to release me and she was my only possible ride. She came in her jammies with a warm coat and picked me up at the ER doors. “It’s OK” I said. “I’m in my jammies too, only I don’t have a coat.” The car was warm and I was safely in my bed before midnight. She has checked on me ever since. What a sweetheart!

We canceled our New Year’s Eve outing because no one was sure how anyone would feel, but I am quite sure there will be some celebrating eventually. You see- it just doesn’t matter when plans get changed and rearranged; as long as you all wake up to a brand new day and a second chance.

I have learned so many powerful lessons over the past year. As I approach the one year mark that my late husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I have learned that we are all stronger than we ever think we are. I know that happiness can exist no matter how difficult the road may be to find it- you just have to want it bad enough to go after it. I understand what many folks are going thru as they are alone after loss of a loved one. I get how family can pull you out of an ugly place and help you get up and on your feet again. I know that renewed old friendships can build your strength and give you new hopes and dreams. I know that life is hard and there are many ups and downs, but as long as you have breath and life, it is the greatest gift we will ever receive. I know that I have picked some great friends in my lifetime that are still there for me and others will fade away.

But don’t forget…tomorrow is never promised. Make it a great holiday no matter if you’re happy right this minute or not, because as long as you are still here plugging away, there is always the hope of a brand new day and another chance of happiness for the taking.

Now go make yourself a hot chocolate, spike an eggnog, fix a glass of your favorite holiday cheer this evening and toast to new beginnings. Eat, drink and be Merry with your friends, family or all alone. Feel the reason for the season in your hearts and be glad. Sometimes you just have to create your own cheer. I have gotten really good at it!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!