These are a few of my favorite things...

​These are a few of my favorite things...

My family has a lot of traditions. I won’t bore you with all of them, but know that many of my
memories come from family gatherings. Over Thanksgiving I was trying to spur some dinner
table conversation and asked, “What was your favorite Christmas gift you ever received?”
Have to say many of the answers were subpar. Were your gift givers lousy? Do you not
remember who gave you what? Or did you not commit special moments to memory? Or maybe
we process special moments differently – special people, special foods, special gifts, feelings,
smells, the weather, the place.

I have a few special gifts come to mind – the kitchen set my dad built for me, the bench my
uncle built for me, games, games and more games, the first holiday Barbie my husband tracked
down for my aunt to give me, the pillow and blanket Nanna made for each of us. Maybe you
noticed the theme here. These were all special because of the people who created, made the
effort, took the time FOR ME. Every year my mom would give me a new game and that New
Year’s we would play it until the ball dropped.

But beyond the gifts were the cookie baking with Christmas music, the red velvet cake and
homemade fudge, the exact same dinner every year, hosting the extended family holiday party,
hosting the New Year’s bash, Christmas caroling around the neighborhood. Not sure how my
mom didn’t combust, but it was her favorite time of year and she passed that to us.
Special moments, quality time, memories made, keepsakes forever. We have a few pictures (no
cell phones clicking away and posting.) But pictures are limited compared to the memories that
evoke feelings. You can almost hear the laughter, wrapping paper ripping, the parade on TV.
Smell the baking. Know it was cold that year it was a white Christmas. Hold those close my
friends.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, my message is to be present in the memories being
made. It translates to any time and with anyone. Make the effort to be with family and friends.
Spend the time more than the money. These are the things that make memories. Make
traditions.

Thanks for another wonderful year from all of us at CW. You are in our hearts and we have
special memories spent with you.

Stacy Ford is co-owner of Complete Wellness, a Certified Athletic Trainer & Licensed Massage Therapist.  She is available for appointments Monday - Friday to help you feel & function better. 

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