My sweet little H,

Are you beyond excited for the man in the red suit to come down your chimney next week? It’s crazy how the holidays just sneak up on us out of nowhere. I feel like just yesterday we were hanging at Children’s Beach. Oh wait… that was over a year ago! You are going to get tired of me saying this to you over the years, but time really does fly by.

I know it might be hard to believe, but Christmas isn’t all about the presents. Now don’t get me wrong, the presents are wonderful and fun to open but the true meaning of Christmas, I believe, is showing acts of love. Not only to our family and friends but to those who sometimes need it most. The ones in-fact we may not even know.

My parents started a wonderful tradition years ago. Each year, they make a donation in our honor to a charity that is near and dear to our hearts. In several instances, these organizations are ones that we have volunteered at throughout the year. And you know what these gifts have taught me… sometimes the best gifts are not those that we receive but rather those we give away.

It’s so easy to want more. We all do but at this time of year, please remember those who have far less than you and me, my dear. As Janie Maeditere said “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.”

I will leave you with this thought. Christmas is not a date on the calendar, but rather a state of mind and one, I believe, that should be celebrated throughout the year.

Wishing you the merriest of days, little H. Having you in my life is one of the greatest gifts!

Hugs and kisses,
Auntie May