Making New Memories-the Most of the Moment

Merry Christmas from outside and inside of Room 26. It's Christmas morning here in Holland, and I thought I'd share my digs with you for a moment. I love my lights, from any angle...I even sleep with them on! I'm on my way to have Christmas lunch with my colleagues soon. As I fixed up my contributions to our Christmqs lunch, I had time to reflect on myself and the holidays. Mine have changed dramatically since I moved to France. Now that I worked last year and this year too, I feel like a pro at making the most of holidays away from family, friends and especially from home. I decorate. I cook. I make things that mean Christmas to me. I sing. I read. I take photos. I make stuff...drawings, cards, letters, ornaments, and so on. So, when my host for today's lunch called me on the phone last night and asked me to put together some kind of an activity for us, I first thought she was a little nuts. But then, as I pondered what we do here, who we work with, holiday evolutions for all families, and the essence of loss and being away; it didn't seem so nutty after all. I'm ready. Over Christmas lunch, I hope we'll share our dream of Christmas/Holidays; our best memory; and what do we do to make new traditions as our lives change to make the most of the moment. Wishing you the most of all your moments during this holiday season!