I hope you enjoy the day as much as I have already.  I am currently in Germany, 7 hours ahead of you, and have already started celebrating.  Its cold outside but warm inside as we spend time with family and friends.

What are you doing today?  How do you celebrate Christmas?  What are your traditions?

We have a few traditions, but have to be fairly flexible as last year we were with my family in Alabama and then this year with Andreas’ family here in Germany.

But that’s ok because we have a lot to be thankful for and I know each of you do as well!.

I want to send a special Merry Christmas to my brother, Kevin Murtha, who is currently in Afghanistan as a Marine.  If you have a chance, stop by his FB page and thank him for his service, I am sure he would appreciate.  I think this has been his toughest tour there.  And while he is managing as best as he can, his daughter is celebrating with my family.  Big hugs to him.

Also a Merry Christmas to my family in Bama.  Miss you all!

To my closest friends…Merry Christmas to you!

And to my blogging friends here, those that stop by to visit me, interact with me on FB, are part of the blogging community or are fabulous readers of my blog…Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays to each of you!

I leave you with this poem by Joanna Fuchs.

The Christmas Gift of Knowing You

The Christmas season fills our hearts with joy;
Bright, happy days bring special kinds of pleasure.
We’re wrapped in the excitement of it all,
The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes we treasure.

Yet when we have some quiet time to think
About our finest blessings all year through,
We focus on our family and our friends,
And appreciate the gift of knowing you!