HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE CASTAGNOS!!

I recently shared in a Facebook post that I was thankful this Holiday Season for renewed energy, focus, and creativity. I am definitely grateful for the blessings of creativity and refocused energy that my writing have brought back. The Christmas Season has been one of my favorites since I was a young girl. The festive Holiday songs, church, feelings of nostalgia, anticipation of Christmas Day, family, faith, friends, food, and the feeling of togetherness help to make the Season bright for me. The feeling of the Holidays is what I value most and what I love most about it, because it reminds me of family and friends. Of happiness and all that I am fortunate enough to have and am grateful for every day. Never in my life have I felt more connected to these feelings or have they held as much meaning as now, as we go through trying times as a Nation. Seeing people happy, grateful for what they have, spending time together, laughing, making new memories, and pulling together makes me so happy.

I had my music on shuffle through media in the car (as I do 97% of the time) on my phone tonight on the way home from work, and I listened to an Electronic song. I belted out lyrics I haven't sang in probably five or more years, smiled to myself in pride at the fact I remembered every single lyric, smiled at the fond memories that came with the song, reminisced on how much has changed since then (my 20s), and rested my head backwards on the headrest, completely at peace and continuously belting out lyrics. Feeling something so inexplicably beautiful from deep, deep within my Soul. It was a pure moment in my solitude that I truly cherished, and it was good to be able to reflect on it in the moment and to feel pure peace and joy. It was a feeling I've never experienced before while singing, listening to music, or even during this Holiday time (my favorite time) of Christmas Season. It felt GOOD! I was released, I was happy, I was blessed, I was powerful. I was everything beautiful in that moment, and I wanted to replicate it every second and every day from then on out. Some things are unexplainable, and this was one of those things and one of those times. Another beauty of the Season. Feeling. Believing. What our eyes see our hearts feel stronger. Our faith shows us that much stronger through the Soul. And I had that moment tonight. I will be sad to see the Holidays go, but will most certainly cherish them while they are here, and will cherish the fond memories made for long after. I hope you hold your loved ones near and dear this Season and always. I hope you find what makes you happy. If you're still on a journey, continue that journey and may it bring you peace well into the New Year.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! "Here's to having all your hopes and dreams take flight in 2018!" "Feliz Navidad, Próspero Año y Felicidad!"