What brings you joy this holiday season?

[pintobean]

I just read a very humbug post over in GD. It made me feel sorry for the guy. I doubt that he’s alone. Maybe if we post what brings joy to us, it will help those that are down realize some good things in their lives.
For me, it’s the unconditional love of my family.

[bicentennial_baby]

1. So many things

but the top ones would be:

having my daddy home for Xmas (he's been in the hospital for months, and just came home two days ago)

the joy that having my daddy home brings to my mom (if he hadn't come home, it would have been the 1st Xmas they've been apart for in 31 years of marriage)

and having the love of my bf and gf, who i'll be spending Xmas night with, our first as a family. :)

[AlCzervik]

2. spending te day with my husband and daughter, i love Christmas morning

i get up really early and make crumb cake for breakfast and then wake them up at around 7:00, watching them empty their stockings is probably my favorite part. This year it's just the 3 of us and we are staying home for a change.

[khashka]

3. What gives me joy?

The love of my family and friends.

Small things - I watched a spider living her little life and she was fearless. But life is a collection of small things. I'm always amazed and grateful for those small things.

Khash.

[Heidi]

6. I'm so glad

there are people like you in this world, khash. Thanks for being you. :hug:

[LaurenG]

4. Simple stuff

a day off
a kind person
a great conversation
letting others know they are thought about and loved
the fact that almost everything we've ever been told by certain people is a lie
beautiful music
a few of the really nasty posts usually started by DS1 or matcom
gas in the car
food in the fridge
a warm bed
a bouquet of flowers

oh there are so many...

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you!

[Heidi]

5. These two guys, in particular:

[crispini]

7. Yoga, chanting, meditation.

Just spending time hanging out with my body and breathing. Walking, stretching, moving with joy. Slowing down and enjoying the basics of life.

[bamademo]

8. The fact that it will soon be over...

and I won't have to suffer through this bullshit for another 364 days. Seriously, I hate this time of year. I'm not alone, I have friends and family, I just resent being manipulated into celebrating something that's based on a big lie.

[CornField]

9. Watching the changes of the seasons

Walking the trails in the middle of the night with only the moon to guide me. Coming home and stomping around like a kid to get the snow off my shoes and pants. Drinking hot chocolate while watching some old flick, dog curled up beside me & cat curled up on top of me.

Listening to my children laugh as they realize one more gift has been hidden under the tree. Watching as they poke, prod and shake it.

Taking the whole family to the mall for visits with Santa and selecting angels from the giving tree. Helping my daughter pick out "just the right thing" for her 5-year-old angel and realizing for the first time this year that nothing can be enough because her present will probably be the only one this girl receives.

Heading over to the homeless shelter to make a donation and having my teenage daughter tell me to wait up, that she wants to come and help too.

Remembering that even at the worst points in my life, there was always someone suffering more, grieving more, needing more and/or doing more.

[RetroLounge]

10. If I look hard enough I can find lots of joy...

My family.
The laughter of my Children.
My friends.
Hugs. Virtual and IRL.
My fellow DU Lounge Lizards.
Reading Poetry.
Sharing the things I love with someone who understands and cares.
Writing with a fountain pen.
A good cup of Coffee.
Occasionally having Mountain Dew and Ho Ho's for breakfast.
Being able to smoke a whole cigarette uninterupted.
Playing with Trains.
Sleeping past 8a.m.
The Bears spanking the Packers on national TV.

RL