As we go deeper into the season of Advent, there is so much to be grateful for:

421. a very cold wind whipping through the trees outside, while inside I am in bed safe and warm

422. the gift of seeing Christmas so much more deeply this year

423. the sound of excited children singing Christmas songs

424. slipper socks

425. my daughter's recovery from a horrible experience with ant bites

426. a new friend who took care of my daughter when she got all those ant bites!

427. an attic full of Christmas decorations, each one with a special memory attached

428. my two children - they worked so hard on a project together yesterday

429. Christmas lights - some of our neighbors really outdid themselves this year!

430. pre-lit Christmas trees

431. the sale of my parents' home - and their moving into a retirement community that will alleviate a lot of their worries

432. Christmas chimes

433. apple juice and cookies for my son from a friend

434. another chance to promote and receive free tickets to a musical - this time it is Beauty and the Beast!