I was terribly spoiled this christmas. I am honestly flabbergasted by the love I received this year. whether it be in the form of baked goods from dear readers & friends, a God awful amount of gifts under our tree, unexpected cards in the mail, or phone calls from our families. I found myself shedding literal tears of happiness when the mail came, or when my phone rang some days & I was given a tangible reminder of how truly loved we are.

the truest joy I found this year (and every year for that matter,) however, was the opportunity and ability to give to those in need. those who don’t have a mail box for letters or the chance to provide christmas for their children. service projects have always been a tradition of my family’s, but I wasn’t sure we’d be able to uphold that for our first christmas married. we found a shelter where we could donate food though. 1 bag. it wasn’t much at all, but I hope it filled the bellies of a family and allowed them to feel a little bit of the warmth of the christmas spirit. I hope it gave them at lease a fraction of the joy I got from dropping it off for them. 

I am so blessed to be living my life.