MERRY CHRISTMAS! Lin Frye

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Originally uploaded by linfrye

9" x 12"
Arches 140#CP

A MOST JOYOUS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!!!

These days when families are a mix of all sorts of relations - steps, grands, aunts, cousins, sisters, brothers, and when you add to that the blending of varying traditons and obligations, the holidays can be even more stressful as we all try to meet each of those expectations, wishes, desires, obligations, 'shoulds' and 'woulds.'

For our family, spread across the miles with steps and grands, being with 'everyone' over the holidays is a challenge in logistics. So we've taken a more 'relaxed' view and decided to, like the seven days of Hanukah, spread our holiday over a number of days.

Today begins our Christmas celebrations with my son and his children - our traditional Italian dinner, opening gifts. Tomorrow, C and I will have a quiet, reflective, morning - then celebrate with my daughter and her family. After that, a more leisurely celebration with nearby friends.

By then we'll be quickly moving into New Year's celebrations.

I like this 'long view'....it makes the holidays a bit less frenetic, spreads the cheer over a longer period, extends the spirit.

And so on the first day of our celebrations, I'd like to wish you and yours a most joyous, blessed, friend-and-family filled holiday. May we each remember 'the reason for the season' and may our hearts be filled with the joy and wonder of our God.

And to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your visits, comments, encouragement, invitations, kindnesses -- and most - the gift of your TIME and your FRIENDSHIP.

To me, these are the true meanings of Christmas .....

Merry Christmas -- one and all!


Lin Frye
North Carolina