A Story of Hope, Miracles & Holiday Magic

Someone, Somewhere is Learning to Experience Their Holidays Differently This Year

A Story of Hope, Miracles & Holiday Magic

Recognizing that the “holidays” may mean Yule, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc., I share this story using the term Holidays as a universal term.

I grew up celebrating Christmas in my house and still do, while we now also recognize the Winter Solstice.

While many of us may be warmly celebrating our respective traditions and festivals, there are those who are learning to experience their holidays differently this year.

Some may be learning to experience their holidays without the presence of a loved one, perhaps due to a transition that occurred during the year . . .

I remember the first Christmas I experienced after my Father transitioned, just two months prior. I was gung Ho Ho Ho to move forward with all the trimmings . . . tree, cards, gatherings etc. Yet the lights were just not as bright that year nor were the songs as jolly. One of the bells in my jingle had been silenced. Dad’s physical presence was missing; the presence that had been a part of every Christmas during my life was now not present. At least not in the way that I was used to experiencing . . .

My unexpected gift that year came in the form of a very special dream. I remember that Christmas night dozing off on the sofa and in the half awake – half-asleep state of mind I welcomed my new experience. In my semi asleep mind, there was a knock at the front door, as the door opened there stood my Dad, dressed in a winter sweater (as he used to wear), holding gifts and smiling that amazing smile of his. I was so excited to see him that in my excitement I woke myself up. I knew that this was no ordinary dream! Dad was working his newfound spiritual mojo and paying me a very special visit! As brief as a blink of an eye, nevertheless, that happy experience, that beautiful gift will always be with me.

I learned to experience the holidays differently that year. To be sure, I still miss the physical presence of my dad on holidays, birthdays, or on any given day. However, I have learned to experience his presence differently and know that he is still a part of my life, with or without a physical body.

There are those who may be separated from family or loved ones due service in the military and may not be able to be home as they have always been in the past. Others may have moved location/residence and the physical distance means that they are not able to connect with loved ones in the same way as they used to. Divorce, separation or other family changes may present changes in holiday experiences.

There is always someone, somewhere learning to experience the holidays differently.

With the many changes in our economy, there may be many that are learning to experience the holidays differently this year due to changes in finances . . .

I remember one year we had been experiencing some financial challenges . . .OK, so we were broke! We were not able to buy gifts for each other or for others. We couldn’t even afford a tree and were feeling pretty low. Yes, I’ve seen the movie the Grinch Stole Christmas, and saw from the good people of Whoville that Christmas does not come in boxes, or bags, yet I did not seem to live in the magical land of Whoville. Bombarded by holiday propaganda, Christmas Commercials and brightly decorated storefronts it was hard to not loose sight of the purpose and the meaning of it all. Especially when faced with experiencing the holidays in a way that I had not yet before done, being broke.

We happily received a gift certificate for the movies. It was just the two of us that year – or I should say the three of us counting our beloved Golden Retriever Nefertiti. So, we decided to see a show on Christmas night.

When we entered the dim lit theatre, something prompted me to suggest that we find a seat on the opposite side from which we had entered. We waked across the theatre, up the steps and selected a seat somewhere in the middle and on an end. There in our seat was a promotional poster of the movie, rolled up and wrapped nicely with a rubber band. I set it on the seat next to us just in case someone would come back for it, but I had an inner knowing that this was a special gift for us.

After the movie we walked hand in hand through the theatre parking lot. As we made our way to the car I just happened to look down to see a clean, bright green tennis ball. I picked it up and said “For Titi!” (Titi is one of Nefertiti’s nicknames) We now also had a gift for Nefertiti! With the poster tucked under my arm, I held up the ball and looked at my husband, we both felt rich with love and support.

If those two gifts we received that night were not enough for me to Believe again, we were to be given one more. As we were driving home on the freeway, a car pulled in front of us. The license plate on the car was “ 4 Titi.” This was no eggnog-induced hallucination, unless I was high off of popcorn and candy, I was seeing straight! The plate clearly read 4 Titi.

Seeing the license plate was for us a clear validation that the tennis ball and the poster were indeed gifts from Spirit. It was a clear validation that we were supported and loved by the Universe. There was a Source of Love looking in on us, caring how we experienced the holiday, and blessing us with a bright beacon that clearly stated “You are LOVED! You are not Alone! You are Supported!”

My heart grew three sizes that night!

While it might not seem very spiritual or sacred, since that unique holiday experience, we have come to enjoy going to the movies on Christmas night, for us this has special meaning.

We learned to experience the holidays differently that year.

There is always someone, somewhere learning to experience the holidays differently.

Consider lighting a candle, saying a prayer or holding sacred space, affirming any and all of those who are learning to experience the holidays differently this year are supported and uplifted in their journey.

May all those who are learning to experience the holidays differently this year

Receive a Clear Sign of Support and an Unmistakable Validation of LOVE

Be blessed with a Miraculous Moment that helps to positively “redefine” their holiday experience And/or Receive whatever brings Peace, Comfort and Joy, supporting their continued path.

Wishing EVERYONE a Wonderful Holiday Experience filled with Every Blessing Bright & Beautiful.

Fellow Voyager, Rhiannon Barkemeijer de Wit

Dedicated to my Dad, Bob Arnold

And to All of My Loved Ones Residing in Spirit who

Continue to be a Loving Supportive Presence in My Life

With Special Show of Respect & Gratitude to Our Troops!

Celestial Journey Therapy

www.CelestialJourneyTherapy.com