Merry Christmas

I'm writing this in lieu of a Christmas letter thus saving trees and postage.
Once again the Christmas season is upon us.  The earth is covered with a beautiful blanket of snow, the trees are all frosted, houses are decorated and people are ready with a smile and a 'merry Christmas'.
Like my mother did, I love the season and all the glitter and good will.  Christmas was her favorite time of the year and she left us in time to spend Christmas in heaven 12 years ago. 
I must admit that it is hard for me to get into the spirit of Christmas lately as I miss my mom and dad and Howard.  I also miss my friends and our shopping excursions and the Christmas Eve party.  I really miss having my son with me even though when he was still living with me, he was often off with his own life and friends.
Christmas is also a time for reflection as the year draws to a close and I find myself wondering what the new year will hold in store for me.  I think it is time for me to make some changes in my life - one being that it is time for me to start to give of myself by volunteering.  I need to find out what is available in the area - food bank, reading with kids/adults, driving the elderly to appointments, etc.
My year in recap - I started as a consultant for PartyLite and then attended conference in Ottawa.  While I was so close, I decided to head to Pembroke to visit my sister and niece.  Pembroke is on the edge of the Canadian Shield and is a beautiful place to visit.
In December, I went with a friend and her sister to Mexico for a week of sun and surf.  While there I was able to go parasailing - a terrifyingly awesome experience!  We also went snorkeling a couple times and I was able to see some sea turtles, coral and some colourful fish.  I just love snorkeling!
After my trip to Ontario, I was given a new kitten.  She is a beautiful tabby with a wonderful personality.  She magically climbed into my heart from the moment I first got her - thus her name is Majik.  Misty has become her buddy and vice versa and my M & M girls bring me lots of laughs with their antics and they are both cuddlers so my lap and shoulders often have a warm body or two on them.
Branigan is still enjoying his life as a bachelor and his work.  He still rides his bike as often as possible and plans to take it with him on our trip to Italy next summer.  He makes me so proud as he is maturing from an amazing kid to an awesome young man to a wonderful adult.  I love him so much!!
I am still enjoying retirement.  Someone told me that I'd go through a grieving process after I quit work and I laughed at that.  No grieving from me about leaving work unless you count the fact that I miss a couple of my co-workers and the nice pay cheque every two weeks.  I am able to go when and where I want and my only restrictions are my kitties and my house.  I think I've only worn a watch once or twice since I retired and the only time I really have to pay attention to the time is when I have an appointment.  I only wish is that I could have brought my friends with me.
My Christmas plans are to celebrate early with my friend and her kids (who I often refer to as my 'grandkids') then off to Moose Jaw to spend Christmas and boxing day with my sister and family.
2013 is sure to hold a lot of new adventures for me - meeting new people and seeing new places.  I hope it holds lots of wonders for you as well.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!