We were greeted at our Waiheke rental by our Airbnb host genuinely excited for our arrival. While she showed us around the house all I could think about was the live Christmas tree she so kindly set up for us and the basket of decorations for us to decorate the tree with - so thoughtful, so what I needed, so grateful. Before we unpacked all of our suitcases the tree was decorated and the stockings were hung and my heart swelled because it felt a bit like Christmas.

This is the first Christmas of my life that I am not celebrating with my dear parents. I miss them and am so grateful for their help taking care of all our critters but more than that I am grateful for the foundation of love they gave me in my life. It is a foundation that has given me the courage to believe I can do anything in my life, enabling me to take risks and live life to the fullest. So though I miss them dearly; it is because of them I was able to say yes when Jason proposed this crazy idea of traveling to New Zealand for six weeks. Though it was hard for them to see us go, and we did invite them, I know how much they value these experiences for each one of us. And it is these experiences together as a family that I hope lay the foundation of love and confidence for our kids that enables them to be exactly who they want to be. It really doesn’t matter where it is. It is the hitting pause on life, and getting out of our routines, that matters. It requires effort, and planning, and for that I am forever grateful to the best travel agent I know, my dear husband, Jason. Happy Birthday Jason, my travel partner in life and love. 

Sending much love to our family and friends at home this holiday, we miss you! We will be home for Christmas next year! And love to our family and friends not at home, wherever you are celebrating know we appreciate each of you and are sending you a huge hug.  xoxoxo

This pic is taken in the rain on Christmas Eve. 

 If you are interested in a Christmas meditation, Click here to find a meditation titled Frankincense. This meditation is inspired by Young Living’s Frankincense Essential oil and Father Thomas Keating’s Centering Prayer guidelines.  For me Centering Prayer is a beautiful bridge between my Catholic upbringing and my meditation practice. I am learning that there is a place for both, in both prayer and meditation we pause. Prayer and meditation are spiritual compliments, in prayer we ask, we speak, we recite in tradition, in meditation we listen.

Merry Christmas.

May you be blessed with health, happiness, well being, and joy, this Christmas Day, and everyday.