{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on its title to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}
For all the immense excitement of this most resplendent and special of days, there is also, I find a certain incredible serenity to Christmas morning - at least if you happen to be the first one awake. A few years back, I was up rather early on this very day and created a scrapbook page (featuring a photo from one of my childhood Christmases) and ever since then, I've made a point of setting aside an hour or two before the mad rush and endless fun of the festivities begin just for myself.
Usually, perhaps not surprisingly, more often than not, I use it to write a blog post, as is the case today, but sometimes (or in additional to doing that) I'll just curl up with a good book, cup of peppermint tea, and spend a little while relaxing and counting the many gifts that I am blessed to have in my life that go far, far beyond what lies under the tree or dangles in the stocking from the mantle.
Though I've never been materialistic about the holidays (or overly so in general), the older I get, the less I want (for myself) and the more I yearn for this day to be far more about the people I spend it with and the happiness that I'm able to impart into their lives. Presents are wonderful, of course, but they aren't the sole purpose for Christmas by any stretch of the imagination and as the world continues to become a more expensive, stressful, challenging place where just making ends meet can be a full-time struggle for countless families, I can't help but think that we'd all do well to step away from the malls and contently back in front of the hearth with our loved ones, trimming the tree and sharing a generously sized, festive meal.
The beauty of Christmas, likewise, cannot - despite what their commercials might have you believe - be purchased solely with a MasterCard either. It is each tiny, perfect work of art that is a snowflake and every verdant pine bough. It's the sight of a lipstick red cardinal in the snow, the wide-eyed wonder of children on this day, and love and contentment we feel in our hearts when we stop and take stock of the history and meaning of Christmas itself.
Amongst the blessings that I count each Christmas morn is all of you, my dear and treasured online friends and readers. We share and delight in the whole year together, and while I can't pay you each a visit (basket of homemade cookies on my arm) today, I hope you know that I'm celebrating with you in spirit and that from the very furthest reaches of my holiday season adoring soul, I am wishing you the most joyful, safe, and endlessly merry Christmas possible!
