Christmas is officially over and now our focus moves on to a new year. But, before we get started on 2015, I want to reflect on my Christmas.

I actually didn’t open any “wrapped” gifts this year. I had so many blessings that were not actual things I can hold in my hand but rather blessings that were more like actions sprinkled throughout the Christmas season.

These actions sparked a plethora of thoughts on Christmas day. As I have gotten older, I have begun to realize I need less material items and the things that fill my heart most are someone’s time, advice or a hug. We place so much value on gifts wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper with big beautiful bows. Trust me, I love gifts; however, the most amazing gifts this season did not come in a box.

For example, being offered my first paying job as a writer. WOW! I felt like Margo Thomas, as she throws her hat up in the air in New York City (some of you may be too young to know who she is). I literally left that meeting with a spring in my step. My boss giving me my review and saying the most beautiful things about me. He brought tears to my eyes, I had no idea he saw me that way. A stay-cation at a beautiful flat at the Domain, a lovely apartment where I was able to relax and enjoy the loveliness of being alone again. And, a Christmas phone call that will forever change my view on how we communicate with each other.

All of these “presents” made me think that it isn’t necessarily a “present” we need at Christmas but the “presence” of special people in our lives. The love people bring you is the true spirit of Christmas.

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas gifts this year, I know I did. I am blessed beyond belief and thank you for your gift of time by reading my blog.

Cheers,

Chica

#ChicaAboutTown #Christmas #ChristmasGifts

I missed a phone call from a friend this morning. My first reaction when I saw the missed call was, “I wonder if everything is okay?”. When I listened to the message a tear fell down my cheek. She was calling to check in on me and wish me a Merry Christmas. She ended the message with “love your girl.”

I started thinking, in this age of technology it’s so easy for us to communicate via texts or send a message on Facebook, Twitter or other social media outlets. We never pick up the phone, this gesture was so simple and yet it has had a profound impact on me. This phone call has been one of the best gifts I have received this Christmas.

So, if you have time this Christmas Eve and are thinking of sending a text message to a family member or friend why not make a phone call. You never know what impact you will have on them.

If you see a missed call on your phone from me… everything is okay. I just called to wish you a Merry Christmas and tell you how much you mean to me.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Cheers,

Chica

Photo credit goes to Sahabel Porto, thank you my friend.

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