Anticipation By: Candice Smith

There are those who do not understand why I anticipate with excitement Christmas all throughout the year. They question my sanity, or, at the very least, my judgement. In truth, I anticipate with excitement every day of the year. But, by putting emphasis on special days or events throughout the year, it ups my JOY factor! And, it can increase yours, too!

Think back to childhood when waiting for your birthday was a yearlong event. Whether it was planning a party with a theme that delighted you, growing older to gain more privileges, or simply getting gifts you longed for, the anticipation of one's birthday was - is - all-encompassing. Of course, you'd live and enjoy every day, but thinking about your birthday - anticipating it - made your birthday all the more special. 

Another example of anticipation enhancing the joy factor is vacations. Time off from school/work is wonderful. If a trip is part of vacation, all the better to anticipate, but it's not even necessary. Anticipation of time off, lack of responsibility, and free time to pursue your heart's content is potent enough to keep you motivated at school/work to get to said vacation. As for a trip during that time off, anticipation is a pre-requisite! Often my anticipation of my impending vacation is better than my vacation! I dream of every detail - what I'll wear, where I'll go, the restaurants I'll eat in, stores I'll shop in, sites I'll see. It's always perfect in my anticipation. In reality, my trips are never perfect. Invariably things go wrong, and even if it is a brilliantly wonderful vacation, the anticipation of the vacation enhanced the vacation tenfold.

Finally, Christmas. Since my earliest memories Christmas season has brought me so much unlimited joy. In my home of origin as a child I had to wait until December for my parents to put up our tree and decorate for Christmas. The artificial tree would be assembled in the living room. It was so lovely. Then twinkling multi-colored lights were wrapped around. Finally, ornaments collected over my parents' lives together were hung on its branches. In the rest of the house my mother placed scant few decorations around - a knit Santa Claus pillow/doll on the couch, a small Christmas tree in the window, and we all pinned our Christmas stockings on the beautiful wooden mantel. I was mesmerized by the entire scene. Each day in December I would run home after school and sit at the base of the Christmas tree. It called to me, exhilarated me, and fed my inner soul. Like birthdays, time-off and vacations, Christmas anticipating was always more wonderful than actual Christmas!

In truth, I anticipate each day of the year. Daily I look forward to seeing my colleagues and students at school. I anticipate a spot of free time for a restorative nap. I've learned to anticipate and appreciate a much-needed workout. I anticipate and cherish time with my children, friends, and especially my husband. My birthday, time-off, vacations, concerts, plays/musicals, reading books, hiking, watching favorite TV shows or movies, time with my family, my husband, and alone are all things I anticipate. Christmas, when I look forward and anticipate it all year long, gives me enormous pleasure all year long, especially when I share the anticipation with others.

Try anticipating things with pleasure in your life, you will find how much happier it can make every day.

Remember, I love Christmas so much, I wrote my first book about it!

Angels

As 2022 comes to a close in a couple short weeks, we take time to reflect on what a year it was, what we learned, and how we want to proceed into 2023.

As the Christmas holiday is upon us next week, we find we have been surrounding ourselves with favorite things. Nutcrackers, toy trains, snowmen, and various other symbols of the season adorn our homes, our Christmas trees, and ease our mind. They are powerful reminders of happier times, family, celebration, and togetherness.

These symbols have the power to make the world a better place.

How?

Let’s explore.

Angels. Surround yourself with Angels.

Many - most? - cultures and religions agree that Angels exist. They are a common thread in our shared Humanity.

There is something comforting about the presence of Angels in our lives.

We are not alone.

I’ll say it again...

We are not alone.

In a time when people are questioning their beliefs and faith, it’s vital to understand that we are surrounded by Angels.

A line from Miracle on 34th Street,

 

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”

 

I believe.

I believe in Santa Claus, an Angel in my life.

And I surely believe in Angels.

If you are struggling with your faith in your religion, the government, Humanity, or God, talk to someone. It’s not easy but necessary. You are worth the effort.

Look for the Angels, they surround us daily. They volunteer, they wear uniforms, they smile brightly, hold our hands when we are scared or sad. They speak words of comfort and peace.

Angels are people. People are Angels.

I surround myself with Angels - year-round - and try to mirror what I can.

Surround yourself with Angels.

Be one.

The world can be and IS a better place if we just believe.

Santa Claus. Believe in Santa Claus. 🎅🏻

That’s right, Believe.

I understand for many that belief ended years even decades ago, but it’s time to reevaluate.

Santa Claus has been around for over 1700 years. His importance and presence have waxed and waned in many cultures over the centuries, but he has survived and thrived and still has a vital and powerful role in society.

As stated in Miracle on 34th Street (I’m quoting this again),

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”

I believe. Maybe you can again. Here are some reasons why believing in Santa Claus is not only great but helpful:

Santa Claus is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful) and uses his knowledge and power for GOOD. That’s incredible in any era, but a beautiful and important fact for this 21st Century year of 2022.

Santa Claus is SELFLESS. He acts FOR OTHERS. He is a model for human decency, charity, and compassion.

Santa Claus is LOVING and CARING. He may keep a “Naughty List” but when it comes down to it, he gives children myriad opportunities to change for the better. He’s patient, wise, forgiving, and kind to a fault. He wants us to succeed. He wants us to thrive. He wants to spoil us. He has faith we will mend our ways and behave for goodness’ sake.

Santa Claus’ Generosity of Spirit knows no bounds. He wants to make our Christmas wishes come true. In addition, he wants us to help make others Christmas wishes come true. He hopes we work in tandem with him to provide children whose families can’t to have a Merry Christmas. He prays we follow in his actions to provide for those in our communities who can’t.

If we all believed in Santa Claus fervently, perhaps our communities - our shared Humanity - would be thriving, too.

I believe. Won’t you please join me in believing in Santa Claus, too?

Be the one you long to have in your life. Emulate the ideal and the ripple effects will be powerful resulting in like behaviors.

After our Christmas/Holiday symbols are safely tucked away in storage until next year, let’s remember the positive effects they have when we allow them to work through us. Truly our wishes of “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” will reverberate the entire year through if we keep the message in our hearts and not stowed away with the decorations.

 

 

My First Book By: Candice Smith

When a dream comes to fruition it is a heady experience! Dreams make life worth living. And when a dream that has seemed out of reach comes into focus and is on the verge of being realized, it’s shout-worthy!

Next month my dream, my life-long dream, becomes reality!

I’ve written and am now publishing my first book!

Since I was a child I have been “writing”.

First it was trying to create words for a Wonder Woman comic I had in my head. Then it became writing a romance novel. I tried writing my autobiography in my late teens.

Nothing got finished.

Blogging became an excellent way for me to write. It started with Motorsports, morphed into personal topics, went back to Motorsports, and now teeter totters between the two genres.

Leaving the world of Motorsports in 2016 – I had created and helmed Drafting the Circuits, a Motorsports website with original articles, an Internet radio weekly program, and a site that provided me media credentials from the Indianapolis 500, Circuit of the Americas for Formula One, and Pocono International Raceway among many others – gave me the time to write my book.

Many thought the topic of my book would center on Motorsports. That would have been most logical with the thousands of articles I’d written in my life in this category.

My strength and experience, however, actually lies in a different topic:  Christmas.

For over thirty years I have been gathering knowledge and information on how to prepare a fabulous Christmas.

I employ year-round techniques that make Christmas and other holidays more manageable, more affordable, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

I’ve packaged my tips, recipes, gift-guides, how-tos, and personal anecdotes into my first book entitled Christmas Candi:  A Guide to Year-Round Holiday Bliss!

Offered as both a print book and a fully-colored eBook, Christmas Candi:  A Guide to Year-Round Holiday Bliss will become a go-to resource in the home.

It’s useful, informational, packed with easy and quick recipes that look and taste fabulous, fantastic gift guides for all types of people, stocking stuffers ideas, and stories that are humorous as well as poignant.

There is so much packed into this book!

Be sure to get it for your home, and, remember, it makes an awesome gift!

Since I began my Internet career, the support I’ve had has been overwhelming in the best of ways. It humbles me greatly.

With the publication of Christmas Candi:  A Guide to Year-Round Holiday Bliss, I hope I can continue to count on your support.

I believe you will truly read and use this book each and every year and throughout the year as well.

Thank you! 

Stay tuned for release date coming October 2018!