A Christmas Letter from the Heart

Embracing the Season with Love and Gratitude

Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

Dear Friends,

As we welcome the warmth of this festive season, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of my Substack community. Your readership, kind comments, and shared stories have brought so much light into my life.

This Christmas feels a little different for me. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, a journey I am only beginning to navigate. While this news has brought its challenges, it has also reminded me of the importance of connection, self-care, and gratitude for life’s small wonders.

I want to be honest with you—there may be times when my newsletter is less frequent, but please know that writing and connecting with you remains a source of joy and strength for me.

Now, here are my snippets of wisdom to share with you…

Guiding Words from Maria Montessori

“Love is more than the electricity which lightens our darkness, more than the etheric waves that transmit our voices across space, more than any of the energies that (humanity) has discovered and learned to use. Of all things, love is the most potent.”

Inspirational Echoes from the World

“The light in a child’s eyes is all it takes to make Christmas a magical time of year.” - Unknown

Creating Simple, Heartfelt Holiday Traditions

The holidays are a wonderful time to pause and create meaningful traditions with your children. It’s also a time to share the memories and customs I experienced with my family as a little child. Remember, it’s not about the grandeur or perfection—it’s about the moments that make hearts smile.

· Storytime by Candlelight: Choose a favorite holiday book to read together by the glow of candlelight or twinkling lights. Or settle on a soft cushion with a mug of hot chocolate by the fireplace to usher in the holiday spirit. It’s a cozy way to slow down and bond.

· Festive Songs at Dinnertime: Eat dinner by candlelight and sing a hymn significant to your family. As a Christian family, we lit an Advent wreath, read a short passage or Christmas story from the Bible, and sang an Advent hymn. What other traditions can you share with your family?

· Kindness Advent Calendar: Instead of chocolates, fill each day with a small act of kindness—write a thank-you note, bake cookies for a neighbor, or pick up litter at the park.

· Homemade Ornaments: Spend an afternoon crafting ornaments with your kids. These handmade treasures become lasting memories.

· Homemade Holiday Cards: Our family loves papercrafts. We gather with friends, spread festive cardstock, stamps, and stickers on our dinner table, and dive into cardmaking. It’s a wonderful way to spread cheer and indulge in the art of giving.

Traditions don’t have to be elaborate. It’s the love and togetherness that your children will remember for years to come.

May this season bring you peace, love, and moments of reflection. Thank you for being here, and I hope we can continue to share stories and inspiration in the months to come.

With love and light,
Susie