Normally this time of year our house is decorated both inside and out.  There are presents under the tree and we’ve had our fill of Christmas movies accompanied with hot cocoa and popcorn.  Holiday platters are scattered on the counters filled with every kind of cookie imaginable.  We’re usually planning out the final touches on our huge Christmas dinner.

This year things are different.  The Christmas tree has already been taken down, the house isn’t decorated, there are no presents and we’re not having a huge traditional dinner like we normally do.  We haven’t watched a Christmas movie since the first week of December and there are no candy canes to stir the hot cocoa.  To be honest, it doesn’t even feel like Christmas.  No, we’re not related to Scrooge.  Between working on renovations, packing, moving and taking care of other things, there just hasn’t been time.

None of this bothers me in the least bit.  Surprisingly,  this has been one of the best Christmas seasons yet.  I have learned that Christmas does exist beyond the brightly wrapped presents, cookies, festivities, parties, lights and endless cups of minty hot cocoa.  It’s that place where you can take a good look around and see what’s in front of you.  It’s that peaceful warmth that surrounds you when you realize that the most precious of all gifts can’t be wrapped and put under the tree.

Without sounding like a sappy Hallmark card, I have found that place.  Through the hard work, stress, little sleep and emotional roller coaster of the past few months, I am there.  I look at the two renovated rooms that we completed and I’m so proud of the fact that we did it.  I look at Mom sleeping on the sofa peacefully and realize that we gave her the gift of security so she can sleep soundly.  I think about the people in my life that I am close to who love me unconditionally.  I think about a special friend of mine who is always there with my virtual coffee and who listens to me vent without judgement.

I think of all of those things and more.  That is Christmas to me.  Being too busy this year to partake in our usual Christmas hoopla and gift giving has opened the door for a much greater awareness.  It’s been refreshing.  I hope that you can take a few minutes this year and open that door to reflect on all the goodness in your life.  Look beyond the gifts and plates of fudge and just take it all in.  Whether it be spouses, loved ones, friends and family.  Take that moment.

From all of us here at Dealtaker, Happy Holidays!