Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, folks! I hope your Christmas Day is going well if you celebrate the holiday, and, if you're not celebrating, I hope you're having a wonderful day as well! Whatever your day is today, I am fascinated by these Christmas lights that one can control with one's phone to make all sorts of designs and colours on a tree. How cool would this be when it comes to trees in offices and corporate settings? I will say that, in looking into these lights, a string of 600 LED lights costs $300 so they're less than economical for most people, but I still think they're cool. I didn't get these for Christmas, but they may be a purchase at some point.

First off, I hope you're spending as much time with loved ones today as humanly possible. Some people didn't make it home today thanks to the weather, so be grateful you have this time with family and friends. These are the people who you've speant most of your life with - the good times, the not-so-good times, the laughs, the tears, and everything in between - and they should be both celebrated and appreciated with your time spent with them. Family, no matter what form it takes, means the world to everyone.

Whatever gifts you received today from your loved ones, show gratitude and appreciation for them having put time, effort, and monies into acquire said gifts for you. Many people don't receive anything today for one reason or another, so be grateful of this time, effort, and appreciation they have for you and show appreciation for any gifts you may receive, no matter the cost, size, or rarity of the gift. Receiving a gift means you mean something to that person or those people who gave it, and that in itself is a gift we need to appreciate more.

If there is a gathering, there likely will be food and drink in which everyone will indulge. By all means, enjoy the delicious food and drink, but, again, be grateful that you're able to partake in the minor feast. Like gifts, many people will go with less food or without food for a number of reasons today, so be grateful that you're able to enjoy the delectable delights that this season brings. If you're enjoy a spirited beverage, please be responsible and enjoy in moderation with plenty of water between beverages. The last thing anyone wants is tragedy on this day, so be safe.

With that, I'm leaving the screen and keyboard for more family time, more food and drink, and some rest and relaxation after a busy few weeks. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season always seems to wear me out, so having a little down time from work where I can spend time with those I care about is always the best time.

After the festivities end and I make my way back to HBIC Headquarters, I'll make sure to spend a little time with this furball. Pets are important parts of families, and I can't tell you how many times Meg has made me laugh or helped me to relieve a little stress just by being there. She drives me nuts sometimes, but which family member hasn't done that at some point in your life? Don't forget your pets on this day, especially with it being so cold in most parts of the country right now. You may not realize it, but pets are important parts to families that are able to have them.

Whether you use the word "family" or "famille" or "familie" or "família" or "familj" or "сім'я" or "perhe" or any other translation of the word, make no mistake that the most important element in any gathering is family. Here's hoping your family had an incredible day laughing, eating, drinking, and celebrating the holiday and one another.

Until next time, Merry Christmas!