the littlest angel

I have a tiny desk calendar sitting right in front of my computer. This daily reminder was a favorite gift I received from a very dear friend. Recently, I had turned the page to reveal a new day, just as I do everyday, but on this particular occasion the quote really touched my heart.

"Angels occupy the loviest corners of our thoughts." - Anonymous

These words by Mr. Anonymous reminded me of the first Christmas card I designed after graduating from college. As a new designer, I was eager to spread my creative wings by making a greeting card to IMPRESS all of my family and friends.

My first card HAD to be OUTSTANDING.... I was an artist and everyone (well... really only me... but I thought everyone else) expected some great artistic effort.

While I was brainstorming, combing every stash of old and new Christmas magazines, along with every other holiday resource I could lay my hands on, in search of that PERFECT idea, I ran across a photo I had acquired several years earlier. The photograph was of a small child dressed in a homemade angel costume.

As I stared at this image, I could tell that this little girl, all dressed in her tinsel pipe cleaner halo and gauzy white robe, was a most eager participant probably in some grade school Christmas pageant or play. She had the sweetest smile..... and you could tell by her eyes that she was sincerely happy. It was also very obvious that an extremely proud parent or grandparent had snapped this close up of their adorable angel.

This child's whole facial expression just seemed to capture the true Spirit of Christmas. She, in ALL of her innocence and simplicity, WAS the perfect Christmas card.

Even now, I can't help but pull out this very first card, and smile when I see my littlest angel.

She is a reminder of the sheer joy there is in just being.... in, and among, and part of this magical season. By happily participating in holiday activities or events, being around family or friends, and stopping to appreciate the small things, these experiences make the loving memories to fill every corner of your thoughts.