Good Morning

hen my daughter was eight years old, she created a wonderful tradition. Seemingly out of the blue, Samantha asked if I would take her to the store so she could get some "supplies." When we left the store, we had twenty-five glass votive holders and twenty-five candles.

When we arrived home, I still wasn't sure of Samantha's plans. (She insisted it be a surprise.) She cleared an area of the side table in our dining room and set each votive, with a candle, in a line. Then she sat down at the table and stared at them, while studiously writing some notes. The next day she invited us all in and lit the first candle declaring, "This candle is for peace." The next day, she lit both the first and second candle. Each day she lit another candle in addition to the previous candles, as she added to the "traits" she wanted to remember during the holiday season. As Christmas Eve neared, this grew into a twenty-minute daily routine, which helped us all to truly slow down and remember what the season was all about. On Christmas Day, we lit a large candle and let all the candles burn for the day of celebration.

Here is the original list of Samantha's candle representations at age eight years old:

1. Peace
2. Joy
3. Love
4. Gratitude
5. Giving
6. Listening
7. Hope
8. Harmony
9. Growth
10. Understanding
11. Health
12. Trust
13. Those we have lost
14. Compassion
15. To Cherish
16. Sharing
17. Serenity
18. Freedom
19. Life
20. Friends
21. Spirit
22. Faith
23. Family
24. Celebration
25. Jesus

Your Turn: Create your own list of holiday traits. Make a special page in your journal and add one trait per day throughout the season.

Today's Affirmation: I take time to remember and reflect on the reason for the season.

Just released: Good Morning: 365 Positive Ways to Start Your Day by Brook Noel - You'll find 365 Good Morning entries to inspire you throughout the year. Order your autographed copy by clicking here.   

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