Christmas is all about showing our love; it warms our hearts, and represents the true spirit of the holidays. In the light of this holiday season, I wanted to share some of my personal stories with you.
My favorite holiday tradition...
"Oooo, me, me, me - pick ME!"
That was always my reaction when my mom would ask "Who wants to hang Mistletoad?"
Ever since I can remember, every year my mother has hung a toad with a Santa hat from the archway in her kitchen. She calls it the “Mistletoad.” Everyone in my family has kissed under the mistle
toad for over 25 years. Over the years, it went from kissing our siblings on the cheeks, to kissing our boyfriends, to kissing husbands, to kissing the next generation of our family and so on. With that being said, I want to leave you all with this message: Spread a little cheer this holiday season. Don’t be afraid to be “cheesy.” Christmas only comes once a year, and we should have as much fun with the festivities as we can!
Why you should show some goodwill this Holiday season...
At my last trade show, I decided to grab a coffee before getting my day started. As I walked into the coffee shop, I noticed a man outside, who looked as though he had nowhere to live, sitting on the couch in the cold. I didn’t think much of it, but while I was inside waiting for my coffee, I noticed him come inside. Shivering, he sat down at a table alone.
I looked around and saw men in Armani suits and women in Prada, all chatting about with their coworkers and friends. I realized not one of them even looked at the man. Something was pulling me towards him, so I went over and sat with him and asked if there was anything I could do for him; he shook his head no. I reached into my purse and gave him whatever cash I had in my wallet. The way his eyes brightened, and a smile stretched across his face warmed my heart.
I wanted to share this story in an effort to inspire you to stop and take a moment while you’re looking "up" at your life, to look down at those around you and show compassion.
Hope is a miraculous thing...
Hope gives you the reason to keep going when times get tough. Regardless of your situation - whether it be challenges in your marriage, family, or career – you always have hope on your side.
As a small business owner, my only option is to keep hope in growing my company. Looking back at the past year, I can either look at the glass half-full or half-empty. I look to my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11, when I need hope: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for you to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
I encourage you all at look at your glasses as being half-full, and keeping your eye on the positive aspects of life!
From me to you, I sincerely hope these stories inspire you to spread some extra cheer this holiday season. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
