Last night was nearly sleepless, with lists of things to do running through my head, along with startling realizations of things I’d forgotten about entirely (like writing this note to you around the beginning of the month). Sometimes the holidays feel like a fast moving train coming right at me! Fortunately, the rough night prompted me to take time this morning (which it didn’t seem like I could spare) to play with my 8 year old “puppy” Lucille, enjoy the lighted decorations, sip peach tea, absorb the warmth from the fire, and simply breathe in and out. Ahh-h-h-h… Soon, I started to feel the bliss of just being alive. Then came a gratitude list, a meditation, and some heartfelt prayer. It’s good to remember that the spirit of the season is actually about feeling the light and love that surrounds us, fills us, and sustains us. I’m glad I took a time-out from the Holiday Hubbub.