This Christmas

I'd say this Christmas has been the most successful for me in regard to spending QT (and doing some serious binge-drinking) with those I love most.

I've visited friends in different provinces, spent weekday nights dousing my palate with cheap wine, Swiss cheese fondue and having great conversation after hoots!

I've visited with my cousins I love, privately over coffee and together with the whole fam. I've made both my grandparents laugh and seen them enjoy a meal and everyone's company.

I've even dressed as a mandarin orange for a Christmas party in which I fell downstairs trying to piggyback my BFF/other half of my mandarin orange team to victory in a costume contest. (Expect my YouTube debut shortly!)

I've met with friends new and old, made some new friends, renewed some old friendships that were neglected by long-distance strains, and most likely started some of my own Xmas traditions! (That aren't as depressing as watching Home Alone alone on Christmas Eve... a real old one I had!) 

I even did a day of volunteering for the Christmas Cheer Board and will be starting at Agape Table soon — a tradition of helping people I hope to continue into the new year!

Perhaps the best thing I've taken from This Christmas is that you should dwell on what you do have over the holidays, and not what you don't. When it comes to prezzies, friends, family, jobs, relationships, etc. And not only at Christmastime — I truly think it's the key to happiness year-round.

I didn't even put together a wish list this year except that I asked for one piece of technical equipment which I think could really help my blogging/career in the long run... in that it needs to include nice photogs!

Until next week, I wish you all a Christmas of good wine, great shared conversations, and truly happy memories!

Warm fuzzies,

Bren.