Christmas

I now find myself in full Christmas spirit. Working on the holiday issues of Women on the Move and Deeper helped me to transition from the busyness of marking and report cards!

The Christmas lights are up on the house, we put up our Christmas tree last night, and Christmas music has been playing on the radio and on the piano as my girls learn them in their piano lessons, and we've been having fun playing duets! There's even snow on the ground (as I write, we'll see how long that lasts...). It doesn't feel like Christmas without snow for this Northern girl so I'm loving the "light dusting" we just got!

Christmas is a beautiful time of year when people come together, regardless of their backgrounds and interestingly regardless of their beliefs too. Love, giving and compassion abound as we exchange gifts and seem to go out of our way to do kind things for others, "in the spirit of Christmas."

At least for this season, many of us stop to look beyond our own busy lives and consider those around us, our family, friends, coworkers and the less fortunate in our communities and around the world. If only it was a more common practice to be more giving and selfless throughout the year... that is how Jesus lived His life everyday isn't it? A friend to all - the rich, the poor, those hated by society - the prostitutes, the lepers and tax-collectors... and caring for them in real tangible ways: feeding crowds, healing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving the burdened, taking the time to really listen to their stories and answering their questions, in essence: serving others. I love that the world still stops to celebrate Jesus, over 2000 after his birth... amazing.

For this season, all of us, in the church and amazingly beyond the church walls, are challenged to love, serve and help others. That's a beautiful thing!

I'm not stressing about the list of things to do that often comes with Christmas... I'm just excited for time off from work so that I can spend more quality time with my family near and far. I'm also enjoying taking time out with the girls to stop to consider the true reason for season. So many wonderful opportunities to deepen faith in our kids in the weeks leading up to Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all! May this be a season rich in quality time with loved ones, and one where we all reach beyond our little bubbles to show love to others and to help those in need.

Here are a few songs that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit if you too have been struggling to make the transition.

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus

Deck the Halls - my absolute favourite jazzy version of this song from "Count Your Blessings" with Holly Cole

A Holy Thing (Who is this Child) from "Count Your Blessings" with Victoria Williams

Remembrance Day & Afghanistan

I was struggling in the early weeks of November to even start thinking about Christmas... I was still sorting through Halloween candy and struggled with so many people rushing to get Christmas decorations up before Remembrance Day on November 11th! I suppose I like each season to have its time... and I didn't want to rush past Remembrance Day without taking the time to remember.

For some reason, this year, I was very touched by Remembrance Day, which left me reflecting and praying for much longer then the usual 1 day (or worst, just for the moment of silence). Perhaps its because I now have friends and family members of friends who have served and are serving in Afghanistan, so it all seems much more closer to home.

The CBC put together an amazing 2-hr commercial-free television program Nov. 11th which honoured the fallen soldiers in Canada's mission to Afghanistan, giving us a window into their lives to get to know who they were. The program also gave us insight into the mission and why the soldiers serving so believe in their mission. Its well worth watching: "We will remember them" - the website has the TV special and much more.

I was also really taken by a song by The Trews, which I shared with all my classes and listened to time and time again. The song is again honouring our Canadian fallen soldiers from our Mission in Afghanistan, called "Highway of Heros" referring to the 401 on which all fallen solders drive when they come home with people gathering on the overpasses above waving their flags.

I think with all that reflecting and the talk of the government making November 11th an official holiday, it took me a while to transition to the Christmas season... lights and decorations going up all around me... I was too busy with school and report cards and wasn't ready to rush through November just yet.

We forget too easily the sacrifice of those who serve and the sacrifice of their families...

Thank you to the members of our Canadian Forces. Not just on November 11th, but all year through.

Women on the Move!

Wow, is it ever time for an update! The Mom's Moments Newsletter found a new name this fall thanks to your help with our many reader submissions! Drumroll please.....

The newsletter's newfound name is....

WOMEN ON THE MOVE

It's the perfect fit for we are all busy women on the move, whether we're moms or not, the newsletters are full of great practical articles, ideas, resources, recipes and more - don't forget the health column! There's something for every busy gal striving to keep health and balance in their lives... And the best part? It's women encouraging, challenging and inspiring women by sharing their stories and resources.

Join us and be a part of it! You'll find Women on the Move, a wealth of online resources and so much more at:

www.momsmoments.ca