The blessings of the season

I've got the carols on the tv, a nice cold drinkie to hand, and I'm starting to feel very Christmassy! So I thought it would be nice as Christmas unfolds to open a space to remember the blessings that this particular time brings, despite all the craziness that comes with it.

I'm thankful for the close and loving bond i have with my sister even though she is far away and deeply missed right now.

I'm thankful for the time spent with family, which is something that we've had to go without for many years.

I'm thankful that my DH is here with his family, unlike hundreds of Defence people who are on the other side of the world doing what they believe is right (and often paying a heavy price for it).

I'm thankful for Christmas music, and that I managed to spend little enough time in shops this year to still be enjoying it!

And I'm really really thankful that a year has passed since last Christmas, and life is starting to seem normal and full again.

I'm thankful that my parents ate having a brilliant holiday and focusing on them. That my Dad is finally able to see parts of the world he'd dreamed about.

That I have a healthy and happy family.

That I got the job I wanted (found out 4 days ago!)

That I get to see my best friend in 5 days!!!!

I am so grateful that I had to blessing on being born in Australia, and not a third-world country, and that I have a roof, a bed, clean water, food to eat, a good chance at a long and healthy life, and that I can love and live with my partner without fear of persecution, or even prosecution by the government, and we were able to have our daughter together. I'm feeling really blessed and priviledged just by realising that and that alone right now!

(ETA: Must be my mindspace right now, I'm coming across really righteous. I don't mean it like that, that's just what I'm grateful for at this moment. This time tomorrow I'll probably just be grateful for leaving the inlaws house...