It's beginning to 'sound' a lot like Christmas.....

I just love Christmas and especially Christmas music.

One year I started listening to Christmas music right after Halloween.  I must admit that by the time Christmas Day rolled around, I was quite tired of the same old songs.  So now, I don't let myself start listening to music until December 1 (well, maybe a little earlier...).

Here are some of my favourite Christmas CDs and songs.  What do you like to listen to around the holidays?

I do prefer the classics, they remind me of sitting with my father in front of a cozy fire on a Sunday evening.  The twinkly lights (as we called them) glowed and twinkled on the mantel, the tree sparkled in the corner, and the Firestone Christmas albums were played softly on the record player.  Think back people, I know some of you recall these albums; purchased from a tire store of all things!  There was a new one out every Christmas and we eagerly anticipated it's arrival.  This was bliss!  And for me, one of my "snap-shot" moments in time....

Songs:

• Let it be Christmas by Alan Jackson
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Bruce Springsteen (a classic!)
• Little Drummer Boy
• Do You Hear What I Hear?
• Mary's Boy Child
• I Saw Three Ships A'Sailing
• Go Tell it on the Mountain
• Hark the Herald Angels Sing

CDs:

•  Jewel - some classics mixed with original songs.  Jewel has a sweet voice, without being over the top
• Josh Groban Noel - Josh Groban at his best with his rich baritone voice, perfect for the holidays
• Boney M Christmas - a true classic CD that you never tire of hearing
• Sarah Mclachlan - a quieter CD that conjures up images of sitting by a fire on a cold, blustery night.  Sarah Mclachlan has the most beautiful voice

  

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

I came across this idea on Pinterest.  If you don't know Pinterest, it's an amazing site full of pictures and ideas.  If you're looking for a little inspiration or creativity, this is the site for you.

This mother and daughters created RACK - Random Acts of Christmas Kindness.  They did 25 days of RACKs, one for each day of Advent.  LOVE THIS IDEA!!!!

Check out the full story here:

http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/

In this season of plenty and abundance, let's remember those who are suffering, hurting in some way, and those in need. We have SO much, let's give back, even a little.....

Now go out and RACK someone!

May peace be your gift at Christmas and all the year through.....

Nice Things to Say to Someone

We get caught up in our busy, hurried lives and forget that a minute or two here or there really won't derail us that much and yet can truly make a difference in someone else's day. 

Here a few nice, meaningful things that you can say to anyone at the grocery store, coffee shop, movies, etc.

• Please, go ahead of me.
• I believe you were first.
• You're missing 25 cents? Here I have it.
• I'm in no rush, take you're time.
• Your parking meter had expired, so I put an extra 1/2 hour for you.
• Let me open the door, you've got your hands full
• You look like you're in a hurry, please go ahead of me.
• You have the nicest smile!
• Here, I have an extra umbrella.
• Can I carry some of your packages for you?  You look overloaded.
• Take my parking spot, I'm just leaving.
• I didn't use all of my tickets, would you like them?
• You have great customer service.
  

I'm sure you can come up with many of your own.  

Just remember the next time the new cashier is on duty and taking twice as long, that we've all been a in a new job where we need to train.  Be patient.....

And the next time an elderly gentleman is slowly pulling out his wallet and counting his change to pay his bill, be patient....  God-willing we will all be there one day as well.

The harried mother who looks like she's at her wits-end.  Be patient....  Maybe she has a sick child at home, maybe she's a single mother, maybe her husband just lost his job.  Or maybe she's just tired from the 24-7 job of parenting.

Be patient, be kind, say something nice to someone to ease their load.