A simple smile to a friend or stranger can have great power to change, even if it’s just for a moment, how a person is feeling. Let’s remember that this week.

Reflections during seasonal chaos
I always think about my friend’s family growing up. To me, it seemed odd that they put up their Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. We always got our’s up many weeks prior.
Well, it turned out that her father had lost a parent at Christmastime and so it was a difficult time of year for him. This developed into their tradition of waiting until Christmas Eve to get their tree decorated.
Isn’t it so hard to remember that not all of us have happy memories of Christmas? This year, more than perhaps any other in recent history, there are many families struggling and Christmas isn’t the joyous event they hoped.
I know this isn’t anything profound. We hear this every year, and yet I think it bears repeating as a reminder to all of us. When we see someone out in the chaos of the season, perhaps our smile is the one they need to see. Even if it’s just in your eyes because you have a mask on. That’s okay. They’ll see it.
We simply never know what somebody else is going through. So give grace to all, and definitely cherish those times of joy with your family. Embracing each and every moment!
Now onto some of the most fun, we have, giving gifts! Unless, that is, that the gift is for someone you have absolutely NO idea of what to give to them. I’m here to help!
I also put together two tutorials that you’ll love not only for Christmas but for all throughout the year.
The first shows how to stencil and glaze a pine board. It’s a fun journal of my ups and downs throughout this project. It’s my response to The Great Create Challenge Facebook Group prompt for “Christmas Re-Imagination”
And you DEFINITELY don’t want to miss the step-by-step photo tutorial of how to wrap separate gift box lids and bottoms with NO showing folds. It’s pretty fantastic!
COMING UP THIS WEEK …
As always, my plans are greater than my time and speed. Let’s see what I’m trying to accomplish this coming week:
- Spicy Tortellini Minestrone Soup Recipe (photos are edited, just have to write it up)
- Unexpected Gift Toppers
- Easy to Make Christmas Stockings
Let’s see what my blogging friends are up to!
Here are some great posts from my friends blogs! I hope you enjoy
Still, want to see more? I have your back. Check out ASC’s Pinterest Boards, where there are always new pins happening! In fact, better yet, follow ASC on Pinterest so you know when I add more to my boards (I find great pins!).
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Have a fantastic week! Namaste,

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