It wasn't very hard to find JOY today. It's all around us and I am happy to notice it.
Today was Saint Nicolas day, a day to recognize the patron Saint of children. Our modern day North American Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicolas and the story goes that saint Nicolas used to place money (gold coins) and small treats (nuts, candies, fruit), in poor children's shoes at night when they weren't looking. In Europe this day is very much celebrated and as a child, my mother used to do it for us. So you can imagine that I most definitely want to continue that tradition with my little ones... who wouldn't! It's so magical.
So last night we put our slippers out for Saint Nicolas to find, we climbed into bed all cozy, and I told Noah the story of who Saint Nicolas was and how he was a good man. Then this morning there was one very excited little boy who discovered that he had been given some chocolate coins, an orange, a little snow globe, some socks and a Christmas tree ornament in his slippers. Katia received the same things too (minus the chocolate).
Later on in the morning I had a newborn session at my house, with one very sweet and adorable baby girl. It was so lovely to meet this family, as they live just down the street from us and we had never met.
Then in the afternoon, I went down to Walmart to spend 2 hours ringing the Salvation Army bell. For me, it was so nice to see people out and about doing their Christmas shopping, and of course it was really special for me to be able to say "thank you, Merry Christmas", to those that donated a dollar or two.
Today I found JOY in:
~ seeing a little boy's face light up at the sight of discovering treats in his slippers
~ cuddling with a sweet little newborn and taking her photos
~ ringing the Salvation Army bell and helping out those in need this season.
Tis the season to be thankful for the blessings that we have.
xox
ps. totally off topic but still..... every time I go read this story I weep tears of happiness. Two deserving people (husband and wife) who were blessed with a beautiful daughter through adoption. The love they have for this little girl is just so sweet.
what an adorable tradition and I love the picture of the slippers out filled with treats. So special
ReplyDeleteI am SO jealous of your snow. I know you're probably a little sick of it already, but it's a weird winter here.
ReplyDeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeleteAnd so great that you help out with the Salvation Army! My boys loved putting money in to every one that we saw when we were on holidays. Those volunteers are amazing!