Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all! We can feel it in the air. Remember it’s Jesus’ birthday so let’s celebrate it in all the right ways. Remember the center will be closed from Dec. 14 untiil Jan. 2. We hope everyone enjoys the Christmas season. We hope everyone comes back in 2013 motivated and ready for a busy year.

My article this week is dedicated to all my shut-in friends who read my article and encourage me all the time. Just to mention a few: Delcie Norris, Edna Struttenol, Mr. J.W. Hill, Eloise Brewington, and the Strickland sisters. The list goes on and on. Ms. Delcie has been in the hospital and I hope she is feeling better.

Garland town folks really enjoyed a night of fun last Thursday night as they celebrated the 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Christmas carols were sung by the children and adult choirs. Santa was there. Rebecca Jenkins was telling stories. Shelie Smith and I served hot chocolate and homemade chili. Everyone had fun! Garland is coming up in the world and trying to get the entire community involved in making the community better. Handee-Hugo just opened and the Subway will soon be open as well.

Everyone be aware of the needs of our community. Grandparents raising grandchildren can be difficult at times. Let’s help. Robert Stroud who has stepped up by doing Toys for Tots at the Oasis on Dec. 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. The public is invited. Cover charge is $10. Please come and bring a gift for a child. Remember it is much better to give than to receive and it comes with many more blessings. Real giving comes from the heart.

Now let’s look at some words to live by. Kellie Pickler once said, “Happiness has been about surrounding yourself with positive people who love me, inspire me and lift me up. If I take in positive energy, that’s what I put back into the universe.” Do unto others as you have them do unto you. (That’s very important!) Come on and get blessed. “What God has for you, is for YOU.” Get it!!! Remember love is not love until it’s given away. A gift is not a gift until it’s received. We all need to exercise emotionally. Laugh. Cry. Ponder. Express a personal belief! Watch a movie. Enjoy your puppy. Remember good things in your life. I promise you the good things will out weigh the bad things. Then you won’t have so much to complain about. Realize that you are a very important person to others whether you realize it or not. The goal is not to be perfect but to be in good shape mentally and physically. Keep yourself in the presence of friends and family.

Now let’s go back to the shade tree. Let’s go back in our minds to the wood heater and fireplace where we gathered at Christmas. Do you remember when our parents and grandparents made 10 or more cakes at Christmas? My, my my!!! That was good and lots or work but it was well worth it. Everyone worked together to make good memories. What memories do you have of Christmas’s past? What memories are you going to make this year? Stay connected with your friends and family. Also remember the less fortunate around us. Do your part to make someone smile during the holidays and if you can spread the good cheer year round. Maybe if you helped a less fortunate family your meal and celebrations might just seem a little more blessed and you might appreciate what you do have a little more.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from everyone at the center.