The brilliance of Christmas lights twinkle throughout the house. The smell of fresh pine from our trees mixes with the scent of fresh baked pies and turkey.  I hear laughter from the basement and the sound of dice from a new game hitting the table. My heart is at peace!  It has been a beautiful few days, savoring time with our family, reconnecting with friends, and celebrating the gift of Christ.   The house is warm, inviting and seems to sigh with contentment.  The windows frame the peaceful flight of intricate snowflakes as they drift flake after flake to the ground.  The day has waxed and waned from exciting games to contentedly watching movies.  My heart swells and I smile listening to my 3 boys chatting with each other.  Ally dog wanders around at one time on a lap, another on the couch or snuggled up on the bed.  Everyone is home and her life is content.  As the winter storm blankets the house I reflect on the day, from the sound of my oldest sneaking around, ankles popping at the wee hours of the morning, to the smiles and appreciation as everyone opens gifts, sharing a wonderful supper, to the laughter as we play a fast-paced game of Slam.  We are blessed!  We are blessed beyond belief!  The beauty of the day calms my mind, relaxes me, reminding me there are blessings in everything we have, everything we do and everything we are; love of family, the gift of time spent together, the beauty of a single snowflake, the feel of a hug, the community shared at Christmas Mass, texts and messages from family and friends, the brilliance of stars seen on a crystal clear night.  Blessings abound if we look, listen and feel with our heart and our soul!!  

Merry Christmas!!  May you feel the true gifts of the season in everything around you!