30 Days of Gratitude - Day 21

This time of year is my absolute favorite. Not just because the fall season is when my birthday is, but also because this period from early November to early January is the holiday season. This period is marked by Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. With these holidays, it seems that there is a different sort of kindness, joy, and love in the air. The kind of feeling that you want to take with you into every day of the upcoming year.

On my mom's side of the family, I come from a very big family or clan, as I like to call them. Celebrating the holidays with big family gatherings and lots of good food were always a hallmark of this season for me. In addition to celebrating the holidays, my maternal grandparents' wedding anniversary is in December right before Christmas and we were always celebrating love during this month with honoring their marriage. This time of year for me means celebrating, love, and sharing with the people God has blessed to be in my life.

After the Labor Day Holiday in September, I wait expectantly like a kid on Christmas Eve for the start of the holiday season. If I am honest, once Labor Day is over, I start my fall decorations and preparation for the holiday season. Not so much about the acutal holidays but because of the feeling I get from celebrating them and with the people in my life. And because my grandparents really looked forward to celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with their family, it holds a special meaning for me.

So, on day 21 of our gratitude journey, take some time to think about what the holiday season means to you and how you can show your gratitude for and in this season.

With Gratitude,

Dr. Daphne