It's funny but nothing says Christmas like an old black and white movie or one of the classics like Holiday Inn or White Christmas. My favourite Christmas story, whether as a book or as a film is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I have always been captivated by this tale. The transformation of Scrooge is a lesson that has meaning today and always. A mean and miserly man obsessed with money and gain is changed into a man of generous spirit and heart by being shown the error of his ways.
Recently I have been able to enjoy journals from friends of mine regarding their own experiences of Christmas over the years. We all seem to have the same opinion on one aspect of Christmas. It was better years ago when we had less. Now it could also because we were kids then ( I'm sure that has something to do with it) but we all seem to have come from a relatively poor background. Christmas was a huge event in the year and the centre of attention for gifts, food and treats that were hard to find throughout the rest of the year. Our parents scrimped and saved so that our Christmas was as good as it could be.
I have fond memories of Christmas eve and Christmas day. When I look back on those times now I am aware of how little we had. That fact made every little treat so much more special though. At the time I was unaware of what we didn't have. What I did have was the feeling of love and happiness and magic. That feeling has never left me at Christmas. Odd things have stuck in my mind like sandwiches made with hot turkey and stuffing that were legendary in our house. I can still feel the excitement of holding that sandwich with butter dripping down my fingers.
Christmas was colder when I was a kid. I'm sure of that. In our house we had a gas fire in the living room and a paraffin heater in the kitchen but no other heating. I would wake up to condensation frozen on the inside of my bedroom windows. I just had lots of blankets to burrow under.
We used to make our own mince pies and sausage rolls. Flour everywhere and drifting in the air like fairy dust. Oh and sticky pastry
all in my hair and all over my clothes. Somehow the food got made 
I still make my own now, and gingerbread and a Christmas cake.
All was done in a feeling of happiness though.
"Christmas is just about my favorite time. Ever since I was a little kid, I always felt like it was my own personal holiday." — Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney)
What has changed over the years is that I get more and more enjoyment from what I can do for others rather than what is being done for me. I still feel it is a magical time and I love it all. I am totally aware of the over commerciality of Christmas by the retail industry but everyone has to earn a living. You don't have to buy into it ( not completely anyway
) Christmas and that special feeling comes from inside you. The desire to be as good a person as you can be. I try to do that all the time but Christmas somehow allows me to really put it into practice.
"It's Christmas Eve. It's the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people that we always hoped we would be." — Frank Cross (Bill Murray)
Spare a thought for those who might need help if you can. I know it's not easy as it is such a hectic time of year, especially if you have kids. You may have an elderly neighbour who might be on their own now. For them Christmas can be a very lonely time so something small like a coffee and a mince pie can really give them a lift. You don't need to spend long with them, it just lets them know they are not forgotten.
Maybe if you know someone who has trouble getting around you can do a shop for them so they have their food without having to struggle in the Christmas crowds.
You get the idea though. You don't need ideas from me. I'm sure you know I just mean if you can help someone who is in need then please try to
Now it is time for my feature. I have made some amazing new friends this year who have become very dear to me. Honestly this place (dA) is full of incredibly kind and loving people who also happen to be so creative and imaginative and skilled in their art. It is due to two of these people that I have recently been awarded my third DD.
and 
much love to you both 
Also to the very dear 
who has hung one of my pictures on her wall It is always unfair to single people out for special praise when so many of you have shown me such love and friendship over the last year so I will just say that I love you all more than you can know. I have had some hard times this year but it has ended up more or less ok and you have all been here for me through it all even if you didn't know it. I can't thank you all enough for just being there for me. I love your comments so much.
And your notes I love to chat so please feel free to write to me anytime So here come the pictures. If you see anything you like please take the time to let the artist know. I'm sure they will appreciate it. There are a couple of pictures here by
who needs our love and prayers at the moment. 
Thank you very much for taking the time to look through these art works. I know it was quite a big feature but I wanted it to be right up to date as it will most likely be my last feature of 2015.
So please give these artists some love and appreciation.
It only remains for me to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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May it be full of love, joy and happiness. Remember to let your loved ones know that you love them.
I send you all so much love
Keep creating, keep having fun and keep loving. Spread that love
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