“Do you remember me? I sat upon your knee. I wrote to you with childhood fantasies. Well, I'm all grown up now. And still need help somehow. I'm not a child, but my heart still can dream. So here's my lifelong wish. My grown up Christmas list. Not for myself, but for a world in need. No more lives torn apart, that wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts. And every one would have a friend, and right would always win, and love would never end. This is my grown-up Christmas list.” – Linda Thompson-Jenner This is far and away one of my favorite Christmas songs and Bryan … [Read more...]

What do we really want from our loved ones? Gifts are fun ways to express love and connection with our sweethearts, but let us tap in to the deeper parts of our heart. What do we really want? What possessions, experiences, or accolades would we gladly give up to receive our hearts’ desires? I am sitting here thinking about this question and the answer is unclear. I will have to mull it over before completing this post. I guess if the answer to this question was easy, more people would be deeply fulfilled in their relationships – or would at least know what to request from their … [Read more...]

It is not too late to make this the most meaningful Christmas you have ever experienced! Over the years, I have received hundreds of Christmas gifts. Each Christmas morning was exciting and I continue to look forward to ripping open packages and watching my family rip open their packages. However, if you asked me to name twenty of the gifts I have received in the last five years, I would probably struggle to remember them. Not because I did not appreciate them, but because life has a way of making us forget. Some gifts stand out, but the majority of them slip our minds. So, should we … [Read more...]

Some of us shop year-round for Christmas gifts; whereas, others are Christmas Eve warriors! (I got everything I need from Walmart in one hour! Booyah!) Then, there are the Black Friday and Cyber Monday enthusiasts. (I had to knock a few people over, but that $200 Smart TV is MINE!) And, finally, we have the “I got all this for less than $10” crowd. (I used coupons, Kohl’s cash, and found some amazing consignment deals. I bought all my Christmas gifts for – drum roll please – $3.57!) At the end of the day, Christmas is fun regardless of the shopping frenzy which led up to it. Still, I think … [Read more...]

I fake it well. This adulthood mask I wear can usually fool the masses, but if you want to blow my cover, put me in front of a Christmas tree with brightly colored packages and you will find me excitedly crawling around looking for the name “Heather.” Even more than finding my own gifts, I love giving gifts. Sometimes, I stress myself out in the process; yet, typically I enjoy thinking about, shopping for, and delivering Christmas gifts. I normally shop year round and then have the torturous task of waiting several months to present my finds to their new owners! When I am not in the … [Read more...]