The Joy of Christmas - Celebrating with a Grateful Heart

Mommy and I had a fun time the other night when she dressed me up and took photos of me by the tree. Now, as I have shared in past stories, I don't always enjoy wearing anything that might possibly be related to a sweater. I will climb under 5 blankets at once, and love to crawl into a fresh pile of clean warm laundry from the dryer...but by golly, wearing one little dress can be a real bother. However, I am so grateful to be with my Mommy and I have such a wonderful home full of love, that I wear the things she occasionally puts on me with a grateful heart. I think of it as one of my gifts to her, a selfless act to put a smile on her face and let her know that I appreciate her.
I think it is important to do little things like this for those we care about and love, as well as doing things for people we do not know. We all have moments of needing someone to be there for us, even if just for a few minutes. For example, Mommy met a very kind gentleman from Russia the other day who was visiting in our area. His car had broken down in a parking lot, and she and some others tried to be of assistance. He was very kind and even gave Mommy a little gift just because she had tried to help him. To me, they both had a grateful heart and took the time to be of a generous nature and step beyond their own self.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

At Christmas time, as stated in one of my families most favorite stories, A Christmas Carol, want is often more keenly felt. This blessed holiday is often rushed through by so many people, and the real meaning, the real joy of Christmas is sometimes missed. It would do us all good to seek out moments when we can give to another, even by simply giving a complement, or lending a hand for just a few minutes. We get so overwhelmed by our own insecurities, fears or problems that we can often miss opportunities to make another feel good. In turn it makes our own heart feel lighter when we give of ourselves.
You know, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and share in celebrating a grateful heart at Christmas, it makes me remember that, while Jesus was on earth as a man, He had little, yet He gave so much. In one moment, He could make a person feel so special, appreciated and lighthearted.

Laughing with Mommy is such a joy!

I know that my choice to be giving to my Mommy by wearing that dress with a grateful heart (even though I was a bit concerned that it would take all my doggie super powers away), Mommy and I had a great time taking the photos she wanted so much. We had some good laughs too. She made me about spit a treat out of my mouth when she made the cat, Noel, jump into the air with a toy! My little loving act of letting her put that dress on me, and even drumming up enough will power to do a trick or two for her, gave us both a light heart and a wonderful celebration of the loving connection we share.
I hope that everyone has a joyous holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and I hope that the coming new year gives each of us more opportunities to celebrate each day with a joyful and grateful heart. I would love to hear about your own experiences or 'tales' of this type. Just click on 'Comment' below this blog post here and tell me all about it. I will have a special blog post sharing some of the stories!