This week Awesome Stories brings you music and stories to inspire you for the holidays.
For me, stories and music are the core of what it means to be human. We express our ideas, lessons, and values with our stories. And we express our feelings and share our stories energetically with music. They both have the power to transmit energy and feelings from one person to another. May we use their power intentionally to uplift others.
Christmas Love
Here are 6 heartwarming Christmas stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul published in Reader’s Digest. My favorite is #2 about the Christmas Spirit Prank. I won’t spoil it but simply share that the story demonstrates the power of love and giving in a most tender way. The other tearjerker was the story of Pepper’s Last Gift reminding us that simple acts of giving are often what touches us the most deeply.
Feliz Navidad
This Christmas Flashmob brought me tears of joy.
Sacred Light
Moonlight Christmas Wishes is a poem I wrote a couple of years ago to express my heart’s desire for peace on earth.
~
plays quietly in the night
painting a sacred dressing
full of yuletide blessings
a wish upon the north star
for children near and far
a safe and cozy home
with space to roam
a fire in the hearth
and peace on earth
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Lindsey Stirling is a master musician who injects so much passion and fun into her performances.
Christmas Jars
I learned about this wonderful tradition from the bestselling book Christmas Jars by Jason Wright. It’s a very touching book that highlights the story of Hope Jensen and her efforts to spread goodwill with her family’s Christmas Jar Tradition. The idea is that you use a glass jar to collect spare change all year long and then give it away to someone in need at Christmas time. For many folks, an extra $100 or $200 can make a huge difference in their life, and more importantly, remind them that they are loved and hope is possible. I’m going to start my own Christmas Jar this year. It will be fun to build up to the gift all year as I collect the change. My desire to help others in need is why I volunteer at a local food pantry called LifeSource.
May you spread love and hope to many hearts this year.
Happy Holidays!Β ππ πΌπβοΈππ
Such warmth! I feel hugged by the true Spirit of Christmas here. π
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Wow. Thank you my kind friend. And I feel the joy of acknowledgment and connection. May the Christmas spirit bless you and yours. ππ πΌπβοΈππ
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Thanks for sharing, Brad. I’ve read one of the stories and will read more in the days to come, when I have a quiet moment. wishing you joy and peace at this special time of year.
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Thank you my dear Cynthia. May your heart and heart be full of love and Christmas cheer! β€
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Thank you, Brad.
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You’re welcome.
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This is a lovely post, Brad. The Christmas Jar idea is lovely, I am also going to try that.
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Wonderful Robbie. I’m excited to try the jar too! Merry Christmas!
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Beautiful Brad.. and that was an incredible piece of music you shared also.
Thank you for all of your hugs, your smiles and your beautiful comments and may you have a Wonderful Christmas my friend..
Sending Love and Joy ππππβ¨ ππ§ββοΈπ₯πππππ haha.. Hugs
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Thank you Sue. I’m glad the music touched you too. May we remember to sing with love and joy. Merry Christmas to you and the emojis! π πππ§ββοΈπ
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I loved all these! That mall flash mob brought tears to my eyes, too. π And I’m a big fan of Lindsey Sterling. I often listen to her music (and others in the same genre) while I’m working. I love the instrumental pieces with all their hauntingly beautiful sounds. Thanks for sharing all these!
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Thanks Cynthia. The flash mob really touched me too. And Lindsey is very talented! Happy Holidays!
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Great stories tonight Brad! Merry Christmas my friend! π β€
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Thank you dear Natalie. Merry Christmas to you and yours! π πΌπβοΈππ
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Thanks so much Bradβ£οΈπππ
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Thank you for your warm, inspiring wishes Brad π
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My pleasure. Merry Christmas!
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Ho Ho Ho!
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Brad, this post is a Christmas delight. I hope you’ve had a magical day. Yuletide hugs.
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Thanks Teagan. I had a nice if not magical day. Yuletide blessings to you and yours.
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The end of Christmas is a huge let-down for many people, Brad. I understand your Day After post. But for me, I’m just glad it’s over — I don’t do Christmas well either… or any holiday, including birthday. It sounds like you are on the right track. It helps to have a purpose or a passion, and you are looking for one. Sometimes the looking can be an adventure. That’s all about the anticipation.
Wishing you a brilliant New Year.
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Thanks Teagan. It’s less about the holidays and more about tired of being solo for so much of my life as well as lack of direction. So yes, I’ll be working to mine some passion and purpose to get me moving for the new year. Thanks for caring. Hugs,
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Great articles as always Brad and very inspiring! May 2018 bring you what your are looking for!
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Thank you Kirt. Many blessings to you and yours for 2018!
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Your latest post, poem for the New Year, is reflective and honest Brad.. And I know you will sift through your feelings and emerge on the other side of 2018 brighter for your reflections.
Sending Mega Hugs, as I say thank you dear friend for your kind support .. May your year be filled with happiness, Health, and Harmony in all you do..
Love and Hugs
Sue xxx β€
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Thank you Sue. β€ I'm enjoying my time to reflect. Many blessings for the New Year!
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β€ π
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Wonderful Christmas edition of Awesome Stories, Brad! I love the idea of the Christmas Jar, and like you, I think I’m going to start my own jar this year. π I also enjoyed your Moonlight Christmas Wishes poem, and of course the videos were great.
Hope you had a nice Christmas, Brad. Mine was different this year with working so much, I barely had the chance to take a breath. I’m thankful to be finished with my contract at Target and am looking forward to what this new year brings.
Wishing you all the best and many blessings in the coming year, my friend, may it be “life radiant and true.” β€
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Thank you Julie. I understand about working. It took away my time and focus on Christmas and getting in the spirit. My job is also winding down and I’m pondering what is next. May we find our path radiant and true. π
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The money jars and the sympathy for those who get “down” during the holidays are very caring ideas, Brad.
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You’re welcome Robin. Thanks for connecting here.
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