Christmas Recap, 2021

December 12, 2021.            MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone!

I hope this finds you well and looking forward to again celebrating the birth of God’s Son. Weather and health permitting, at least some of our family will be getting together this year, the first time since Christmas 2019.

Me at 86 with my grand-niece Sophia, senior in high school. (Ignore the baggy clothes—favorites from when there was more of me.) 😉

This winter friends and I no longer have to meet in “Colleen’s Clubhouse” (masked, bundled in parkas and sleeping bags, garage with doors open).

I passed my annual Wellness visit with flying colors and marked 43 years of living in Auburn home. Wonderful neighbors look after me as if I were family. God continues to bless my writing. https://www.amazon.com/Colleen-L.-Reece/e/B001H9PAYY

 My good friend, Author Susan K. Marlow, set up my    website, Colleen’s Creations, at https://colleenreece.com. Latest Reece’s Ramblings blog post: LADEN WITH LOVE: Memories of Christmas Past. Not all gifts come wrapped in colorful paper or in gift bags tied with bows.

I find comfort in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s classic poem “The Rainy Day.” Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining.

* * *

The Grinch in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” learned that the village of Who-ville would let nothing stop Christmas. It impressed him so much that his shriveled heart grew three sizes!

Many today choose to follow the Whos’ example. People smile and decorate houses, yards, city streets, and businesses. Neighbors care for neighbors. Dark as life may seem, this trouble shall pass, as have so many previous afflictions. God is still in control. If I could put blessings instead of gifts under your Christmas tree, they would be those listed below.

 Love, prayers, and happy “holy-days,”