May Your Holiday Season Be Bright!

Sending Much Love

Today I feel humbled. Humbled by all the wonderful people who have opened their hearts and doors to my family and I during this year. We are so blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors who lift our spirits and create a sense of belonging. Our families are far away, but our friends help us feel at home here in California. 

Over this weekend I was brought right back into my college years. My international student college counselor and his wife invited our family to their annual Christmas Sing Along event. It felt like a college reunion of the international club. My counselor is a wonderful pianist and he inspired us all to really get into singing. We took turns singing a verse of Silent Night in our native tongues. It lifted my spirits and warmed my heart to hear the beautiful song sung in Japanese, French, Hungarian, Spanish, Finnish and English. During the party, I realized that this environment and these people were all part of my international life and my identity. Many countries were represented in the party, and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoy the cheery holiday atmosphere together. I am very thankful for the friendships that connect us to many countries and I am thankful for our wonderful hosts and their generosity!

During my college years a wonderful Finnish couple took me under their wings and ever since then I have been invited into their very special annual Pikkujoulu = Little Christmas Party at their house every year. My friends have been organizing these parties for forty years. This year, I was brought to tears as I watched my friends announce that the time had come when organizing these parties has become too difficult to do and that this was going to be their last party. Everyone was crying and friends who've known each other for a life time were hugging each other. The generosity of this wonderful couple has been enormous. And the friendships within this group of Finnish people runs so strong that they are there to help each other through both good and difficult times. My family and I feel honored to have been blessed with the friendship of our gracious hosts. It might be the end of these parties, but surely not the every day chats over a hot cup of coffee! After all there are children and grandchildren who now need to develop friendships of their own within our fabulous Finnish-American community.

After a very emotional weekend, I think that strong friendships make life worth living. There are seasons in life when we are capable, energetic and able to conquer anything in life. And there are seasons when we need to take on a slower pace. These seasons come and go multiple times with in our life times. The seasons change, but our friends understand this and accept us just the way we are. With the example of our wonderful hosts, I resolve to pay special attention to young people who are exploring the world at this time, work harder on my friendships and to be a nicer and more caring person next year.

It is time to turn off the computer and go and make sure my kids learn something about new and old traditions during this season. After all, more than anything the kids need a real human connection.

Rauhallista ja Kiireetöntä Joulua ja Onnellista Uutta Vuotta!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Happy Holidays! May Your Season Be Bright!

Sending much love all across our beautiful earth.

Terhi xoxoxoxo