A friend recently mentioned that she and her daughter had been discussing what Christmas would be like as the grandkids would not be visiting this year, and therefore feeling something like it wouldn't really be Christmas without children.

The daughter asked what do I do, and the mom thought it a good enough question to ask me......as there are no two legged children around, and haven't been for the bulk of my life.......the answer is....I celebrate with who or what constitutes my family at the time.....this year it is Halle, the black cat; the outside birds, and my good friend and all things horses mentor, M......

Ms. Halle is like most children, whether 2 legged or furry legged....she wants to know ahead of time what her presents are, and spares no effort trying to figure it all out......

I have learned or maybe always have known, how to find joy in the simple things.....fellow apartment dwellers who decorate outside, so that other residents and visitors can enjoy lights in the winter darkness......

The music of the season, candlelit churches, church services in which I am able to be part of the music offered to those present, members, visitors, and this year thanks to the magic of 'live feed' those far away, or house bound.

For many, there may not be the presence of family, or 'the right family' at times of celebration such as this....but that doesn't stop the celebrating, the appreciation of the love that is

the true meaning of the season after all.....

where there is life, there is love, even if it is not

in the form that one expects......

it is there, one just needs to pause and let its 'presents' come in from the cold......