“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more....” ― Dr. Seuss

Watching "The Grinch" is always a happy time for me. As a kid, my brother and I watched it together every year and even continued  while I was in college. Although he has been gone for over 20 years, it still brings back memories of him. Christmas isn't here until I watch "The Grinch".

Unfortunately, many people act a lot like the Grinch - before his transformation - when Christmas time rolls around. I like to think they act this way out of fear and not out a mean-spirited heart.

I'd like to encourage you to make an effort to turn things around for the Grinches in your life. Show them love and compassion that they may become open to the spirit of Christmas.

Today, I am grateful for Christmas memories, for the joy of knowing I am loved, and for the love I feel for my family and friends. I am grateful for Christmas lights that brighten the landscape, for songs to lift the spirits, and for a warm home to keep me cozy inside.

I am grateful for the birds of the air and animals of the forest, for mountains that stand against the storm, and trees laden with snow. I am grateful for snow plows and road crews that work to keep us safe, for hot coffee and sugar-free creamer.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May you touch the hearts of the Grinches in your life and teach them the meaning of Christmas this year, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. Roy L. Smith

 image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The spirit of Christmas is often lost in the constant drive to defend our own religious and spiritual views. The argument over whether to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" has reared its ugly head and the season has barely begun.

I'd like to urge you all to practice tolerance and compassion this year and simply say whichever you want and let others do the same. For me, the season will always be Christmas. If you subscribe to a different belief, that's fine with me. But, I do hope you find the season filled with love and compassion.

To me, the heart of Christmas is love and compassion for others, whether we agree with their views or not. When we stoop to arguing over silly things, like how to greet each other during the season, we give up the heart of Christmas.

If you find yourself in the battle of semantics or arguing with another human being because his beliefs differ from your, take a step back. Channel that energy into something positive to improve the lives of others and the spirit of Christmas will grow in both your heart and the heart of others. Instead of trying to prove that your view is the correct view, let your heart lead the way and stand as testament of your beliefs.

Today, I am grateful for family who fills my life with joy, for pets that make the home warm and comforting, and for winter clouds that will soon drop blankets of snow.

I am grateful for the beauty of trees, for the balsam fir that adorns homes across the world at Christmas time, and for wreaths that welcome visitors to the home. I am grateful for the blue jay in his bright coat, for the deer that nibbles on grass, and for the mighty bear that enters his long winter's sleep.

I am grateful for blue-black skies that display winter stars, for the round full moon that glows above the world, and for the sparkle of snow in the moonlight.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May  love and compassion fill your heart this season, as you go forward in the direction of your dreams.