It was terrific to receive cards, online messages, and calls from many. It was fantastic and each one cherished.

Christmas Eve we delivered Christmas Cards of appreciation to the veterans at the VA Hospital. Each one also got a candy cane. The smiles as we passed them out made me joyous. Cards from the Dollar Tree plus time to write a hand-written note to let them know we appreciated their service and sacrifice and wishes for the New Year. That was all it took to share a little holiday happiness. A new holiday tradition is born (smile).

Last minute shopping, and a final look at Santa at the mall reminded me that my dad liked to shop on Christmas Eve.

Saw the movie Saving Mr. Banks about the creation of the Mary Poppins movie and love it. She has always represented new beginnings and possibilities to me. It was fun to see this movie as 2013 ends and 2014 begins.

Christmas here at the beach was wonderful I am blessed.

It would have been nice to have money to finally pay off the rest of the debt from my surviving cancer. It is a priceless blessing; however, I don't think the medical profession felt that way. They were able to come up with some numbers (smile).

If I could have one Christmas wish I wouldn't use it on wanting money. It would be wonderful and give me enormous opportunities for choices BUT my wish would be that my family would embrace forgiveness.

Thankfully, God doesn't judge us on individual actions. He looks at the sum of our life. His son Jesus Christ while dying on the Cross asked that we be forgiven.

My fear is that it will take the death of a loved one before everyone unites and truly forgives each other and moves forward. We were blessed with free will and as a result we make mistakes and bad choices. That same free will gives us the ability to forgive ourselves and others and move forward to become a better version of ourselves.

Family is precious. Sometimes it seems we give more leeway, benefit of the doubt and understanding to friends. My wish is that the world would choose forgiveness. It is a choice.

I am a work in progress. As 2013 comes to a close and the wonderful possibilities of 2014 are on the horizon, I am thrilled and curious to see what my life adventure has in store for me.

10. A Holiday Tree

9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Day Of Winter.

8. Frosty The Snowperson

7. Chestnuts Roasting In A Safely Contained Continuously Monitored, Eco-Friendly Nontoxic Outdoor Fire (For Which We Have A Permit)

6. Higher Power Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

5. Grandma Allegedly Got Run Over By An Unidentified Non-Human Perpetrator

4. Deck The Halls With Boughs Of Unendangered Foliage (If Office Policy Permits)

3. Hark! The Herald Mythical Winged Creature Sings.

2. I Saw Mommy Greeting Santa Claus With A Purely Platonic Expression Of Inoffensive Mutual Affection.

1. I'll Be Home For A Short Period Of Time In December.

Wednesday I was thrilled and surprised to receive two awesome wreaths created by my neice Dawn. One has sea shells and words to live by and the other is colorful and joyous. She is very talented! I was/am very grateful to get them. One is hung up inside and the other on the front door.

Thanksgiving Day I was thankful for all the conversations and voicemail messages I had with family and friends. A tip for future memory - Happy Thanksgiving to you... doesn't work as well as Happy Birthday to you. LOL

Friday I got to go to the International Mall to visit Santa. As I stood on the upper level watching the kids take turns sitting on Santa's lap, Santa looked up, smiled and waved at me. I was grateful to have that magical moment.

The last day of November 2013, Saturday. I was grateful that although it was the last day of the month it wasn't the last day of the holiday weekend! There was another day to celebrate and have fun!

I am thankful to Karen Quilliams for suggesting that everyone write something they were thankful for during November. I live my life in a state of gratitude. This was a wonderful challenge.