‘A warm and Merry Christmas from Uplifting Studios. Today I’m sharing a personal message of gratitude as well as a little bit about what Christmas means to me.

It’s hard to believe we’ve officially arrived at Christmas’s doorstep isn’t it? Oh what a year it’s been. 

As I find myself thinking about 2020, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and I am especially thankful for two things:

1) The gift of life- I’m still here and breathing

2) The gift of good health

I am also spending this time reflecting on what Christmas means to me. For as long as I can remember Christmas has been viewed as a very special gift- the gift of baby Jesus. And this remains true for my family and I today.

Growing up in Kenya, Christmas day meant being surrounded by family and nowadays when I spend Christmas in Kenya it’s still just as special, (although a little louder and livelier) as more generations continue to be added to the family.

After moving from Perth to New South Wales this year, my family and I will be celebrating Christmas in new ways, creating new memories and beginning new traditions. It’s been a year of new beginnings and firsts and this Christmas is no exception.

Enough about me- I’d love to know what Christmas means to you and how you’ll be spending the festive season?

• Is it a time of reflection?

• Is it a time to get ready for the new year that is coming?

• Is it a time to decide what kindness you can show during this festive time?

Maybe your Christmas doesn’t look like it usually would and if you’re facing a festive season that will be different to what you’re accustomed to, I want to encourage you to not lose your hope but rather look up and consider how you can give and show kindness in this season.

Would you take a minute with me to consider how we can take the time to be a blessing to others and share some Christmas kindness?

Some simple ideas to show Christmas kindness:

• The giving of time i.e a phone call to loved ones

• Words of encouragement or affirmation

• Written cards

• Sending gifts across the oceans or even to your neighbours 

As you enter 2021, I pray abundance will be your portion. That you’ll be strong enough to view 2020 as a time of growth and of preparation having learnt lessons that will propel you into great things for 2021. 

Collectively we can declare and claim abundance as we pray that 2021 will be the best for all of us.

Before I head off to spend Christmas with my loved ones, I wanted to let you know I have a special episode coming that I cannot wait to share with you. Subscribe to Uplifting Studios TV and be the first to know when it premieres on the 31st December.

Where and how will you be spending Christmas this year? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below.

Praying Love, Peace, Hope and Joy will reign in your hearts and homes this Christmas.

With Love,

Annie