Christmas is for families. And I love getting together with ours at Christmas time. But this Christmas is going to be very different and also very special for us.

Every year for the last 28 years, my husband and I have packed ourselves and eventually our son and all the gifts together and driven 6 1/2 to 7 hours to our families. We did this because we wanted to and because Christmas is about being with your families.

But this year we purchased this new beautiful home on the Ottawa River and it screamed to us - this year is different - this year you should be here, enjoying the view, the beauty of nature, and our own small family.

So for the first time in 28 years we are spending our Christmas in our home, with our son and his girlfriend and I couldn't be happier. I can't remember being so excited about Christmas since I was a small child waiting for Santa.

... so you see - there is a Santa and there is a Christ Spirit - for I feel so extremely blessed...

I wish you all a blessed Christmas...

Cara Rose-Brown

Today, Christmas Day, I spent the day with my immediate family and then we went over to my brothers house to spend dinner with extended family. The house was loud with kids running and playing and there was a lot of talking and laughing throughout the evening. A perfect Christmas evening. Then while my husband drove us home I quickly checked my blackberry and facebook. I read a status update that said an acquaintance was having a terrible day and had spent the last 5 hours alone because someone forgot to pick her up for dinner. My heart went out to her and I realized in that instant that I truly am blessed.

__________________
Leslie Eisener, Wellness Goddess