They'll be Comin' 'Round the Mountain...

What a joyous time we are embarking upon - the holidays.  November is a month of gratitude and then into the Advent and Christmas seasons we go!  All are such positive, loving, giving seasons.  I am so happy that we are entering into these seasons at this time in my life.  I have so much for which to be thankful yet  I cannot give enough gratitude to those who deserve it.

This year will be different, indeed.  Not only will the holiday schedule be different from in the past, but new traditions will be born from the ashes of that very past.  I can but pray that my children will embrace the changes over time and will see that the new is not bad.  It's just different.  Maybe one day, they too will be thankful for all the wonderfully caring and loving people who have surrounded us.

As those of you who know me well already know, I am a reader, a learner, an input-er, always searching for answers and new ways of doing things.  I try to think outside of the box when I am stuck.  My latest search is on new traditions for the holidays.  I want to focus on the meaning of the season, not the price tag.  For too long, the price has been the determining factor, whether it was too much, too little or not enough.  Instead, it is time to focus on the meaning of this season of gratitude which extends well into the new year!

These changes are coming fast and will be loud and triumphant...thus, "they'll be comin' 'round the mountain..."  While they may be subtle, quiet changes, they will be changes, nonetheless, and will herald yet another new chapter in our life.  As they say, actions speak louder than words.  May these actions in this season of gratitude shout volumes!