Tis The Season To Be Thankful.

As the sleeps to Christmas grow less and we count down the days on our advent calenders I cant help but notice the importance society puts on gifts. Is it not a big enough gift that we are happy and healthy with a wonderful place to call home? So many have so much less... As I watch the trolley loads of gifts roll by my office window and I listen to the children screaming at their parents it saddens me that my favourite time of year seems to be losing its magical charm. I wouldn't say we are a religious family, most Sundays the three of us can be found in the back yard or down the beach but I feel it is important to educate our children that there is more to Christmas then just the gifts you find under the tree! Christmas has always seemed so magical to me because it is a day where my family come from near and far to share a meal (more then a few drinks) and celebrate. I have so many wonderful memories of my cousins, brothers and I around the table and I cherish that now our children will share those same memories. But how do we ensure they do cherish these times and not just remember unwrapping the gifts? Luke and I decided this year to purchase a wooden nativity scene on line for Audrey and we do our best to tell her the story of the Christmas Miracle. We will be attending Christmas Mass as a family and we will be giving thanks before we sit down to our beautiful Christmas meal. These things may be small but I can only hope if we start now and remind ourselves to be thankful it will rub off on our little girl...

Here are a few things I am thankful for:

* My husband, my best friend and the love of my life.
* My daughter who has stolen my heart and makes me smile each and every day.
* My family (The Fosters, Ramplings, Keanes, Ferns, Di Pietros, Bests and Goos) both near and far who love and support Luke, Audrey and I.
* My friends, new and old, this year would not have been as fun if we did not have them to share it with.
* My colleagues, most of who I consider my friends, except for the ones who let me drink way too much at the Christmas party!! I am so lucky to work with such a fantastic group of people.

Love, Elle. x x x


Ps Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.