I love being surrounded by animals! They teach me how to relax, how to play, how to love unconditionally and, generally, how to live my life. I am forever grateful for each and every one of them - they are truly my angels!

I've wanted to use this photo for my Christmas card now for several years. "Kisser" is forever the relaxed cat. She moves slowly and loves to be loved. A bit overweight because she also loves to eat and takes each bite with intention and total enjoyment.

This photograph encompasses how I like to spend holidays - relaxed, not going anywhere fast and taking long naps. It is the antithesis of what most of our culture seems to do around the holidays.

As we move into the holiday frenzy of shopping, visiting family & friends and, generally, being more stressed, may you take the time to simply stop and relax, let go of stress and know that the holiday celebrations can be simple. Give gifts that have meaning - something you've made, something that expresses your gratitude for that person being part of your life or a certificate of service, like cooking a meal, to be used at some point during the year. Celebrate the gifts that surround you without over spending and creating more stress later.

May your holidays be filled with the joy and peace of the season! Celebrate quiet moments with family and friends as well as with yourself.

Blessed holidays everyone!