Last week at church the children's message probably spoke to us adults more than the kids. The pastor took out 4 candy canes, all different sizes. He asked the children to determine which he should give to his daughter...

Of course the children,in fits of laughter, chose the biggest one.

He said "you know what, it doesn't matter. I know my daughter will be thankful for any gift."

He told all of the children that with every gift that they open, take a breath, take it in. Look at the person that gave you the gift, and say thank you. Because no matter what it is, that person though of you.

I challenge all of you to take it a step further. Before you open your gifts, look around the room at the people that are with you. Think about how blessed you are to have each of them in your life. Remember those that might not be as blessed to be spending their holiday with their family and friends.

Just one moment, that's all I ask.

I am one of those people that loves christmas, I get it from my mom and dad. I love Christmas music, Christmas movies, Christmas cookies, and Christmas spirit. As a child I loved turning the candles on in the windows on thanksgiving night to start the season. I love Christmas.

I also especially love my tree. My tee is filled with ornaments, most of them given to me as gifts. Because of that, each one brings back beautiful memories.

This year, I named my tree Clarence.

So, why am I telling you about Christmas instead of hats? Over the years I have started realizing just how difficult Christmas is for some people. I think I always "knew" that some people have a hard time, but a few Christmases in a row our family experienced that. The loss of our aunt, the last Christmas with our grandmother, Patrick's "chemo-christmas" when there was fear of a hospital admission.

This year I have some families in my heart. As you know, our friend maddy started hee 28 course of chemo last week. Well, doing the math, she'll be in he hospital. When someone offered to bring a tree, she said no. I also hold another friend close by. They lost their grand daughter to bone cancer this year.i wanted to find a way to bring their beautiful granddaughter to their tree..

So I went to my yarn.

Meg's favorite color was teal.

When she was ill, friends from their town covered the town in real ribbons to show their support.

Tonight I'll bring these ornaments to Meg's grandparents, so that she will always grace their tree.

Back to Hats soon, just wanted to share this with you all.