Gratitude at Christmas

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Daisy tree2013

Determined not to fall into holiday doldrums this season, I am making a conscious and daily effort to embrace gratitude into my rich life.

I am grateful to be married to the finest man I know, whose love nurtures and supports me every day. Larry, I so admire your passion for life, your kind and sensitive nature and the value system that guides your life.

Two Lucky Birds

I am grateful to have shared over thirteen years with our sweet kitty, Daisy, who we lost in October. Although I grieve for her daily, especially at Christmas, when she would fiercely guard “her” tree, I am remembering all the gifts she has left for us. She made us smile every day.

I am grateful to watch our other kitty, Buddy, regain strength from early stage kidney disease, at least for now. It is a joy to watch him run and play again, and to regain some needed pounds. His sweet affection and attachment is a constant comfort.

I am grateful to have been so loved by my parents, grandparents, and other family members, all departed now. They live in my heart and are with me all the time, perhaps especially during the holiday season.

Toffee Christmas

I am grateful for the birth of a strong, healthy little girl to my godchild and her husband. The birth of this baby has given me joy every day since her arrival in August. Being named her “god-grandma” was a lovely gift from her wonderful parents.

Ella and Gratitude

I am grateful that, ten years ago right now, Larry supported my decision to walk away from a stressful solo family therapy practice. I had no idea that I would discover food blogging and meet so many wonderful folks.

Finally, I am grateful to all of you, my readers, for your support and interest in my tales about food, cooking, recipes, family – past and present – thank you!

Happy Holidays. Hold your loved ones close and enjoy this special and magical time of year.

Holding Hands

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18 Responses to Gratitude at Christmas

  1. Suzanne December 19, 2014 at 1:49 pm #

    Liz, what a beautiful, beautiful post. We all have so much to be thankful for and noting them whether with pen and paper or on our computer only reinforces. We share the loss of our beloved pets in October I got out my Christmas things the other day and there was Izzy’s little outfit and her stocking it’s especially hard at Christmas and I am having to force myself to decorate and I guess celebrate, it’s hard when your heart is broken. I know you understand. Bless you and Larry and your family and may you all have a wonderful, happy and joyous Holiday.

    • Liz December 19, 2014 at 2:01 pm #

      I know, Suzanne, I burst into tears when I found the kitties’ stockings – I hung up Daisy’s next to mine anyway, right below her little box of ashes. Chin up and Merry Christmas, my friend.

      • Suzanne December 21, 2014 at 2:24 pm #

        Liz, I did the same thing. Izzy’s stocking is hanging off the mantle exactly where I always hung it and next to the stocking is the box of her ashes.

        • Liz December 21, 2014 at 4:24 pm #

          We are so on the same wave length, Suzanne!

  2. Jayne December 19, 2014 at 1:52 pm #

    Happy holidays to you Liz! What a lovely post, well said! We should all concentrate more on what we are grateful for. I am grateful for discovering food blogging and meeting you! Have a lovely Christmas.

    • Liz December 19, 2014 at 2:02 pm #

      How grateful I am, Jayne, to have “discovered” you on twitter some, what 4 years ago?

  3. jacquie December 19, 2014 at 4:29 pm #

    thank you for such a beautiful, poignant and timely post on remembering to be grateful. i wish i could say gratitude was something that came second nature to me but it is not. I am trying to be more conscious to be grateful so i do appreciate the reminder. I also lost a beloved older pet this year so i was particularly moved by your words about your pets. I hope you find some peace and joy this holiday season.

    • Liz December 19, 2014 at 5:06 pm #

      Thank you for your comment, Jacquie – I send best wishes for a peaceful holiday season to you. I’m working hard to make gratitude more a part of my life – yes, it can be difficult. I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved pet.

  4. Larry December 19, 2014 at 10:23 pm #

    I share all of your listed gratitudes and many more, especially the gratitude of being the only other member of the two member “A” Team.

    • Liz December 19, 2014 at 10:36 pm #

      Your first comment on my blog ever – love it. Love you. Lots.

  5. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious December 20, 2014 at 1:05 pm #

    Love your post, love the fact that your husband commented on it (!!!!!), and especially love those chubby baby cheeks. The best!

    • Liz December 20, 2014 at 3:08 pm #

      Yes, I was impressed. I had asked him to subscribe to see if my numbers were correct – he’s the best.

  6. Mimi at Mimi Avocado December 20, 2014 at 1:48 pm #

    Love this post, Liz…and your beautiful photos…and Larry has just raised the bar for husbands of bloggers everywhere! Happy Holidays!

    • Liz December 20, 2014 at 3:08 pm #

      Thanks, Mimi – enjoy the holidays with your lovely family.

  7. Sippitysup December 21, 2014 at 4:04 pm #

    …and I’m grateful to have read this post and to be reminded by it to count my own blessings. Merry Christmas to you and Larry and Buddy. GREG

    • Liz December 21, 2014 at 4:24 pm #

      And the same to you and Ken – cheers!

  8. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com December 24, 2014 at 8:20 am #

    Wishing you and Larry and Buddy all the best, especially since you’ll be missing Daisy. I love cats and “cat people!” I try to practice gratitude every day, so I really enjoyed reading your gratitude post.

    • Liz December 24, 2014 at 10:42 am #

      Thank you, Jean. I’m working on practicing gratitude every day – hope to get there in 2015.

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