This is a tradition I started many years ago. I hope everyone who reads this gives it a try during the holidays to visit with those that have passed who still touch thier own hearts.

It is just after midnight Christmas morning. The tree is still lit with lights, the house still quiet. The presents a glorious sight, all bright colors and ribbons. Everyone is sound asleep, hopefully dreaming about what is to come later this morning. This is my favorite time, a quiet time to reflect on the past year, the new year coming, a time for remembering all the love I have given and the love I have received this past year. Sipping my Irish coffee, listening to classical selection of Christmas music. I am filled with the joy and peace of what this holiday is truly about. I feel the closest to God at this moment, and feel his presence. I talk to the spirits of my loved ones not able to be on this earth this night. Knowing that they are only a thought away from my heart. Never lost just not physically here. It almost is as if we are all here watching the tree together. Just chatting about all things important and a few just a bit silly. What a group we are. My Dad with his Irish wit and charm, Andy with his logic and wisdom. Marshall with that secret smile I so cherished. My Grandparents holding hands the love emanating so strongly from them for each other and for the family they loved. My Aunt Helen still vibrant, opinionated and full of humor. All so alive in my heart this night. I am so thankful for this. This is what this holiday is truly about, family, friends, at peace with and enveloped with God's love. I am truly blessed this night. My Christmas wish for everyone is to have this kind of moment, wherever you find yourselves, with the people who are closest to you. It would be the best Christmas present I could give.