These are a Few of My Favorite Things…

It’s amazing what happens when your heart is changed. Even in the midst of painful memories, I’ve understood that joy comes from within.

by Carol Sokolsky

There is just something about Christmas that draws me to my favorite things… sights, smells, sounds… it’s all magical. It didn’t used to be that way for me. Not at all. Christmas brings pangs of pain, and it was just easier to withdraw and let the world have its magic. Not anymore.

It’s amazing what happens when your heart is changed. Even in the midst of painful memories, I’ve understood that joy comes from within. Yes, Christmas is about a little baby who changed the world, and certainly changed mine. A few days ago, a friend asked me to list the things that bring me joy… my favorite things. I thought about it briefly, and as my mind and heart began to flow like a river, I realized again that I am so blessed.

As I share my short list, I hope you’ll get a glimpse into who I am. And once you do, I hope we will become friends, so please share yours with me, if you wish!

• Walking a beach
• Yellow roses
• The way my son signs his texts to me
• Giggles with girlfriends
• Sitting on a bench
• New York City at Christmas
• Wine and conversation
• Fireplaces and fire pits
• A great pair of boots
• Early mornings with coffee and Jesus
• Coffee anytime with friends
• Chocolate covered chocolate
• Puerto Rico
• Love songs
• Journaling
• Walking for miles
• A heart-shaped bar of soap
• A beautiful summer evening
• Watching big snowflakes fall
• The smell of a holiday candle

But my most favorite thing is spending time with my family… the ones I love the most. Sometimes it’s quiet and sometimes it’s crazy, but every time it is love and what I cherish the most.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope you will take the time to figure out what brings you joy. And remember that the source of all joy is simply the love of a little baby boy who was born over 2000 years ago.

And these are a few of my favorite things…

Carol Sokolsky is passionate about being the best she can be in whatever place God plants her. She is blessed with an incredible family, including her bonus family that she considers her own. Walking a beach is definitely her #happyplace. Carol is a regular contributing writer for the918, loves to share life with her readers, and truly enjoys the feedback she receives. If you want to connect with Carol, you can find her on Facebook as Carol Sprunger Sokolsky, and on Instagram as @Sokocarden. She’d love to hear your story and how the918 has made a difference. carol.sokolsky@gmail.com