Dan and I don’t do the traditional present thing at Christmas. Instead, we embrace the decorating and celebrating, seeking out gifts of a different kind. Even so, looking back at this Christmas, we realized that several wonderful presents had come our way during the holiday season.
After Dan lost his wedding ring in the ocean in September, he found the perfect ring and asked me to marry him again (I said yes). 
Coops’ biopsy came back normal. 
I reconnected with my oldest sister’s daughter, and received this photo of my beautiful sister Sharon, who died of lung cancer several years ago. I had not seen her since I was a little girl. 
I reconnected with my Wayward Seniors at Princeton Towers. 
I found out that I was going to get to visit with my newly found little sister and her husband in Florida in January.
I got to have post-yoga sushi dates with the love of my life… 
This holiday season has brought so many gifts to us- gifts of meaningful connection and joy. There is so much to be grateful for in life. The really great thing? There is always, always something to be grateful for, no matter what. Truly the gift that keeps on giving. It has been a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to a New Year full of magic. (Yes, I believe in magic- don’t you?) Wishing you all the best in 2016!
The View from Here 
Wonderful ending of 2015 and beginning of 2016. 😄
Yes- I am so grateful…and looking forward to what the New Year will bring. Happy New Year, Pat!
Hope you have a great New Year, Denise! I read your blog always, although I don’t comment often. I think the piece you did from the early fall about your visit to the beach was my favorite of all….that was absolutely lovely (and inspiring, to be honest).
Best wishes!
Elle
Elle, I really appreciate your kind words- thank you so much for reading my blog. I wish you the happiest of New Years!