Celebrate the Moments of Your Life

"Celebrate the moments of your life", there is a commercial with these lyrics, do you know what it is for? Right now I don't remember what the product is, but the song is ringing in my head.

As another year winds down, it is common to reflect back on the past year's happenings - those moments that touched us and made an impact.

One of our family traditions after our Christmas Eve dinner is to share with one another three things:

• A highlight from the year
• What we are grateful for
• Words of wisdom from something we learned (passed down from the oldest to the youngest)

Over the years I have kept a journal of my family's remarks. When I initially started this tradition, the kids grumbled because it prolonged getting to the time when they could open their presents. As they have gotten older, they still grumble a bit, though they now listen attentively and appear to appreciate the people around the table a bit more.

At times we laugh as we reminisce about funny events and goofy things that happened.

Other times, we cry together, such as last year when there was one chair missing due to the loss of Grandma.

It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the holidays, or life, for that matter, that we don't take time to savor the moments that have meaning to us. Highlights from the year, things we're grateful for, or the wisdom we gain through experience aren't just about the extraordinary moments; oftentimes they come in the ordinary, least expected ways.

What were the moments this year that touched you?

Share with your family moments of meaning to you and you will feel closer