Merry Christmas everyone. This year things are a bit different for our family. The tree may be smaller and the decorations more minimal, but the gratitude I feel for all the love and support I get from all of you readers is tremendous.
Thank you all so much for all the encouragement and words of advice you offered throughout my husband's illness this fall. He still has a long way to go before he is close to his previous level of mobility, but his spirit and courage are strong.
This Christmas may feel different, as health challenges have cast a shadow over our celebrations, but our spirits remain strong. Though the festivities may be quieter and the joy more subdued, there is still an undeniable sense of hope that better days are ahead. We are reminded that even in times of struggle, courage can shine brightly. The resilience we draw from within and from those around us helps us face each day with a belief in brighter, healthier times to come.
This holiday season, our hearts are full of gratitude for the things that truly matter. The love of family, the support of friends, and the warmth of shared moments bring us comfort. In the face of adversity, we find ourselves appreciating the small blessings—good health where we have it, the care of those near us, and the peacefulness of a quiet, reflective Christmas. Even though it’s not the Christmas we had planned, we recognize how precious and fleeting life is, and how important it is to be thankful for what we have.
Merry Christmas to all of you and best wishes for many good things to come in 2025.
23 Responses
Your tree is beautiful & Dennis looks content with Archie snuggled on his lap! It’s going to be a different but still merry Christmas. Wishing you all the best for a hopeful New Year!
Oh Nicole you got me shedding some tears! I think you must be a special person to have this adversity in yours and your family’s life and still be upright, positive and moving forward! Wishing you all a wonderful and joyful Christmas and best wishes for a happier 2025!
Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. Your hubby looks good. Easy to see he is well taken care of. Take care of yourself too!
I hope the New Year brings you lots of good health and happiness.
Your more minimal Christmas is still beautiful! We are all thankful that Dennis is doing well, and progressing through his recovery and therapy. So glad that Ahren is visiting, too, which is no doubt a very happy addition to the celebrations.
Merry Christmas to you and to all of us! We can all be thankful for what we have.
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Enjoying the blessing of being together, your beautiful decorations, and making special memories to hold in your heart all of 2025!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. I love your positive attitude! Sometimes we forget how blessed we are and don’t express our gratitude. Enjoy your holiday and I am happy that Dennis is progressing.
Merry Christmas to you, and your family!
Your refreshing attitude toward life is inspiring, and a blessing.
Merry Christmas…enjoy Ahren’s visit. I’ve been sick for about a week so we are going very low key here. We have lots of cookies from friendly neighbors so I’m good. ;p
I see Archie is no longer afraid of the chair. Dogs are so odd sometimes.
I think about you every day. If I can do anything please let me know. Sending lots of love your way.
Merry Christmas! I did minimal decorations this year as well because of the crazy kittens we adopted in May. I did put up a tree with lights and they’ve left it alone, but I’m sure the dangly ornaments would be too much for them! Enjoy your holidays as best you can, I’m so grateful that Dennis is home with you to celebrate. Wishing you a happy and healthier New Year.
Wish you, Dennis, Archie and all your families a very Merry Christmas. The picture of Archie with Dennis is the best! It’s the small things that make everything worthwhile. Thanks for taking the time to write to us today. I enjoy your blog very much. Prayers for continued improvement for Dennis, peace and patience for you and lots of pets and walks for Archie! 🎄❤️
Merry Christmas 🎄 and I hope and pray for continued healing and health 🥰
I join the others in wishing you Happy Holidays! Enjoy all your family, and look forward to more improvements in the New Year!
Beautiful words of wisdom for all of us! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Sometimes simple is good, decorating is a lot of work, and you’ve certainly had your plate full! The important things are what count! Enjoy the season! Thanks for sharing your life with us, I love your blog!
Merry Christmas Nicole and Dennis. There’s always a lot to be thankful for. Our Christmas is different this year too. Our BIL died in August. It’s the first Christmas without him. It will get better.
Merry Christmas! Every time I open your blog, you should know I am cheering on you and Dennis. A rewarding 2025 to you all.
Beautifully written. Merry Christmas, Nicole and Dennis!
Merry Christmas
Love the picture. No matter the situation a faithful dog and a quilt can bring love and comfort.
Blessings for you both .
Your words this Christmas have resonated deeply and also beautifully.
I have refrained from saying before this time but the meaning is obvious when I say I am coming to the last block of my chemo, 6 months and counting down
It’s not good news but your words of encouragement resonated with exactly how I feel- positive— because , really, life is wonderful with family and friends. Plus I never realised I had courage, that this is what my positive outlook is all about
Thank you
Suzanne
Merry Christmas Nicole – so glad your husband is home and improving and so nice to have his faithful companion helping him to rest. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and wishing you all the best in 2025.