My birthday is on Christmas Day and I love it. Over the years I've heard many people say, "Oh, you poor thing!" when they hear it — but I love it. Maybe it's because my mom always made me feel great about having my birthday on Christmas. She loved to tell the story about how "Silent Night" was playing when they took her into the delivery room and when she came out with me she heard "Joy to the World."
My mom always made me feel like I was her "Christmas Joy" and it is one of the reasons Joy is my chosen middle name. I also like the name Joy because it reminds me to look for the joy in everything I do, see, hear, and experience. Just hearing the word JOY makes me focus on joy and feel good.
Santa and me — when I was three.
I feel LUCKY to have such a special day as my birthday. I always get to be with my family for my birthday. I am thankful to have my birthday be such a fun holiday and to be able to spend it with people I love.
Last year I received a note from my husband that said, “I want to thank you for being born on Christmas. You have re-infused Alex and me with the spirit year after year!” What a great way to start my day! I left the note up to remind me how my love of the season can help others enjoy it more too.
My husband, son, and I have written and recorded a beautiful Christmas song. The song is called "Merry Christmas" and was recorded by our treasured friend Robert Berry, owner of Soundtek Studios, in Campbell. My husband, Dudley, sang the song and played guitar. Robert Berry did a masterful job on the keyboards and the recording of the song.
I would love for you to hear our Christmas song — so please click on the link to hear Merry Christmas online at CD Baby.
Several years ago, Wayne Dyer sent me a copy of a little book he wrote called “Happy Holidays!” and in the book he talks about how much he loves the holiday season and has lots of reminders of how we can enjoy them more as adults by being more like a child.
Here is a quote from “Happy Holidays!” by Wayne Dyer:
"If you can get back to that time of your life when you were a child, enjoying every aspect of this glorious season, you can rid yourself of the 'holiday blues' permanently. As a child, the shopping was something that filled you with excitement, and you were able to ignore the crowds. The time you spent decorating, wrapping, celebrating, worshiping, and being with your family was a pure delight."
Children view the holidays as a positive, fun, and joyful time of year. It is possible to change the way you look at the holiday season and have more fun, more joy, and actually look forward to it each year.
Here are some reminders that help me feel more joy at this time of year:
* Look for ways to make it more fun than ever before
* Look for ways to give to others besides buying them expensive gifts
* Be thankful for all you have and your ability to give to others
* Enjoy the beautiful holiday decorations in the stores
* Stop and really look at the holiday lights and enjoy them
* Take time to enjoy your shopping experiences
* Find something to like about every gift you receive
* Allow children's joy and laughter to remind you to lighten up and be playful
* Laugh more — watch some funny movies and play games
* Enjoy the fantasy of the stories, movies, and decorations
* Be willing to be more spontaneous and have flexible plans
* Take time to relax and recharge your body, mind, and spirit
* Savor your present moments
* Create memories that you will treasure
* Appreciate the people in your life — enjoy spending time with them
* Give the gift of your time and love — and enjoy receiving time and love
The common themes for all of the ways of celebrating the Holiday season are time with people you love, a feeling of connection with people who may be far away, gifts of love, and time with people we love. In my opinion the Holiday Season is for giving and receiving the gift of love and having time with the people who matter most to you.
The holiday season is a time for giving, loving, savoring, magic moments, beauty, wonder, believing, receiving, and having fun. It is an opportunity to share the gift of love and create memories that you will treasure.
What are your favorite ways to spend your time during the holidays? Do you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa — or a blend of one or more traditions? What reminders would you add to my list? I would love to hear how you enjoy spending the holidays!
Here are a few last reminders for more holiday joy:
Give yourself the gift of love — take great care of your Self.
Give yourself the gift of time — with the people who matter most to you.
Give people you love the gift of your love, time, attention, and appreciation.
I wish you Love, Laughter, Hugs, Fun, Joy, and time to enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!
:) Margaux
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