Happy Christmas!

I know "Merry Christmas!" is the standard greeting in the U.S., but I've decided that, for this year at least, I prefer the British version. The term "merry" can imply that we're making merry, and that could mean we're just putting on a brave face, digging a bit too much into the egg nog or cinnamon schnapps, eating too many stale cookies, buying too much stuff, and falling into excess in an attempt to "look" happy.

Thanks for the photo, Microsoft Office!

"Happy" suggests a very different emotion. It's one of bliss, of warm fuzzies as one walks through a normal day. Of skipping a bit more, of going about one's normal life with a permanent enigmatic smile, a smile that brightens everyone's day without one even realizing it. Happy is a state of being that transcends the ordinary life, imbuing everything with a bit more sunshine.

So I'm raising my coffee this morning--and to every morning from now until next Christmas--to just being happy. To living with a little quiet joy every single day. To doing something truly beautiful with at least a few of the moments we are given. To fitting beauty and happiness into our daily lives, despite family obligations, work, and other have-tos. To feeling blessed with a bit more sunshine on our hair, despite the rain outside or the cold wind blowing.

Happy Christmas, everyone! And a lovely New Year, too!

The Five Senses of Christmas

Now that the remains of my daughter's cookie party are almost gone (can you sense my relief?), the Christmas cards have all been sent, the shopping is done, and only five presents have not yet been wrapped and put under the tree, I can sit back and just enjoy the season.

Actually, I've been enjoying the season all along, with all of my senses. I've written several entries on description, but Christmas has unique elements all its own. My "Five Senses" list:

Sight: 

  The lit-up Christmas tree. I use all white lights, and my ornaments 

are pretty much cream, gold, and red. Velvet and brocade ribbons, 

gold chains of bells, and gold beads. Of course, I love almost every 

Christmas tree--I just love my own most of all.

Sound: 

  Christmas music. I have everything from grunge rock versions 

to Vienna Choir Boys, John Denver to Nelson Eddy (thanks to my 

sis, who's a big fan of his). I love it all. Only the Chipmunks one 

gets on my nerves.

Taste: Gingerbread is number one, especially with white icing.

Touch: 

  The smoothness of a wrapped package. I try to box everything, 

even clothing, so that the corners are all crisp and the sides smooth. 

And, yes, I stroke them. 

Smell: 

  Scotch tape. Yes, I love the smell of a wood fire, too, but scotch 

  tape reminds me of Christmas in the middle of July. I wrapped 

  presents with my mother when I was a very young kid, and wrapping 

  presents is still one of my favorite activities. That pleases my hubby 

  to no end, too, since it means he doesn't have to.

What are your favorite five sensations of Christmas? Don't be afraid to share!