22 Comments
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Suzanne Todd's avatar

Yes. The sun keeps rising, starting a new day. Thanks for your stories. Happy holidays to you and yours. Stay well and keep writing!

And the picture is wonderful!

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thanks, Susanne! New days and new beginnings. Thank goodness for the light.

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roe squire's avatar

Best holiday letter ever.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

And a tradition (aka: obligation) I have, for now, let go. Nice to have this one, and others, to revisit. Thank you, Roe. Merry, happy, joy!

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Barry P Osborne's avatar

Nothing can be added to something so beautiful.... Made us all feel fuzzy and warm.. If I'm playing high and low this morning then reading your beautiful Christmas message has left me with the highest of highs..

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

What a delightful message, Barry. Goodness, thank you.

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Susan Owens Bernhardy's avatar

Paul & me wish you and Jim a very happy Christmas and new year!🎄❤️

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Likewise from us here. Thank you, Susan.

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Tom and Linda Norris's avatar

Lovely real-life stories.Thanks!

Tom and Linda

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Real life has a way of being more than a little messy, right? Thank you, Tom.

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Courtney Oates's avatar

Every. Single. Day.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Yes!

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Meanwhile, Elsewhere's avatar

What a tale! Thanks for reaching back to find this one for us. Timeless tidings, true, but don't our children lives race past us? Telling these stories slows down time.

By the way, you should write other people's end-of-year letters, or offer consultation.

Shine on, Friend.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

"Telling these stories slows down time." That's so true, though I had not thought of it that way. My end-of-year letters have given way to much shorter and less creative efforts. The red pen might need a lube job before I could take it back out on the road. Ha! Happy Yule to you all!

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Amy Cowen's avatar

What a fantastic letter, Elizabeth. I’m so glad you pointed me here! Loved reading this. I’m charmed by so many things, including the presence of the friendship bread starter. I love that your family had a high-low tradition. That’s beautiful. So many quotable moments here, but this sets the stage: wonderfully: “the chaotic charm of the daily ride.”

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Absolutely legend - what a relief to read that I am not the only one NOT having a relaxed slow motion Christmastime as I lovingly string a few dried cranberries around the cat's litter box and have some aromatic mulled wine on-the-go - at all times - for those drop-in guests ...

This was so great to read, so grounding, so honest, so hilarious!

Happiest Holidays to you and yours and thank you Elizabeth for keeping it real xo

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Janet Schilling's avatar

And it never ceases to amaze me how quickly those days fly by! Happy holidays.

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Barry P Osborne's avatar

Every single day...there is indeed a star to follow❤

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Meanwhile, Elsewhere's avatar

Please consider posting this each year! What a memorable collage of moments. Follow that star, wherever it is. Happy holidays to you.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Same to you, Stewart! I appreciate you.

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Life is such a vivid tapestry. I’m so thankful for reaching an age where things are less chaotic, less exhausting and where my emotions are on a more even keel. When we look back, it’s amazing that we cope! Highs and lows every single day.

It’s Christmas morning already over here. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes for the day and year ahead. Take care dear Elizabeth.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Beth. You're right to claim a bit of credit for what you've endured to get where you are now. Though not necessarily difficult by some standards, every life has its share of pain and pleasure, tragedy and triumph. A vivid tapestry for sure!

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