Greetings PhoenixRizin.com visitors! For a few days now I’ve toiled away trying to figure out what absolutely hilarious prose I was going to put together for my Christmas blog. But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get into the Christmas spirit. 2006 has been challenging emotionally and financially for me and my family, and I’ve just wanted out of this bleek year. At the end of last year, things looked as if I would have a very prosperous year ahead, and that by this time I would have been able to provide the best Christmas we’ve had in some time. Instead, I looked at the prospect of almost not being able to get my family anything for this year. To me, Christmas has always been about giving (though I’d be a liar to say I didn’t look forward to getting presents too!), and not being able to give back to my family is a terrible thought.

Christmas has come and gone, and while my usual enthusiasm was gone, it would be quickly be replaced by a sense of humility. Though we had all been through our ups and downs, my family managed to come together for each other when we needed each other most. Our gifts were very modest, but the best gift was just being together. I know that should be something remembered all year round, but we are human after all, and sometimes we need a reminder of whats important.

So I brave the passing of 2006 and prepare for 2007, with family and friends to guide me through the tough times. I appreciate all that life has given me so far, and if you are reading this, remember what’s truly important in your life. If you don’t know what that is, I’ll give you a hint: it wasn’t gift-wrapped.

“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.”
-The Little Prince

Peace and blessings this holiday season.