As we are approaching the end of December, I can honestly say this is the fullest my heart has been in such a long while. 2018, while it had its ups and downs, turned out to be a great year. Even more blessings happened this week.
On Tuesday, when I walked into the library, I had two gifts waiting for me from my manager and assistant manager. The assistant manager is out this week, so my manager handed me the gifts. I thanked her and mentioned I don’t open gifts until Christmas. She understood because she does the same thing too. Then today, another library co-worker handed me a gift and my other co-worker gave me a Solstice card. She knows I don’t celebrate Christmas and wanted to wish me good tidings of the season. It touched my heart; all of these gestures touched my heart this week. I am grateful and I am blessed. I love these women and the library has become like family in the 12 years since I’ve worked there.
I hope that this doesn’t seem like a gift grab and my reason for being thankful is selfish. On Tuesday, I handed my co-workers ornaments and GF cookies I made, along with cards and (to some) newsletters. The co-worker that gave me the Solstice card is Jewish and she was grateful that I wished her a Chag Sameach during Hanukkah. I wasn’t looking for gifts, but I wanted to spread good cheer. Co-workers at both jobs wanted to spread cheer too.
I’ve had a full year with both jobs. I welcomed in 2018 by celebrating with the library. In January, the library hosted a winter party that was complete with a white elephant game, food, and games. We had a lot of fun and built community. I framed (magnet frame) the group photo for my manager and assistant manager.
On Tuesday, my full-time job held a holiday party. I sat with a few analysts and we had fun playing pictionary. Dan drew a thermometer, but it looked phallic and that caused quite the commotion in laughs. All in good fun! We also had a white elephant game and built community. This was my first holiday gluten-free and I’m glad no one said anything since I made my own GF chicken marsala and orzo.
I feel full this holiday season. While I don’t celebrate, I participate and I have fun participating. Tis the season for joy and love – my heart is filled with both.
What are you thankful for?
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
I am excited to learn that your library manager, assistant manager and co-workers surprised you with holiday gifts. There is no shortage of nice people in this world. All you need to do is bring out the best in them by being your personal best, and you did that by spreading cheer through kind gestures of your own, something you do throughout the year. You also had fun, spread cheer and built community with co-workers at your full time job, and celebrated your first holiday gluten-free. I am very happy to realize that your heart is full and you are ending 2018 on an upswing, dear friend JM!
LikeLike