If you are like me you might be asking yourself, “Where has 2013 gone?” It seems like only a few days ago I was here in Phoenix, AZ with my sister and family writing my 2012 Christmas blog. So here it is again, looking back on 2013 and wondering, as well, what 2014 may have to offer?

It is the time of year when we stop to give pause and thanks to what we are grateful for. I look back on the past year and I can say that I am truly thankful for my family and friends. I was extremely blessed this year, with all of my travel, to get to spend some quality time reestablishing many of my friendships.

We are in the countdown to Christmas and just a few days away from Jolly Ole Saint Nick’s arrival. I am on the road for the last time in 2013, having traveled west to celebrate the holiday with my Sister, her family and my father. It has become a Christmas tradition that I look forward to each year. My great nieces and nephews appear to grow with abandon.

Each year, as tradition dictates, I include a Christmas themed greeting with this Christmas blog that usually includes one of Santa’s beautiful helpers. And this year I see no reason not to continue the tradition with a “minty” photograph of my dear friend Nicole.

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This year has been one of an extra exceptional treat in that I had the pleasure of spending some quality time traveling with Santa during his “off season”. We actually ended up in Denmark at the World Congress of Santa’s. It has been an absolute delight to be included as one of Santa’s assistant and what an honor it was to be part of the World Santa Claus Congress!

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So I leave you with one last Santa thought during this holiday season. The good news is and, mums the word, even Santa has a naughty side. One of his favorite helpers, Ms. Gwendolyn, caught him attempting to open presents early. To say the least, it was quite a surprise to both of them. Ho Ho HOOOOOOO!

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Merry Christmas and May God Bless you and keep you safe during the holidays …..
~dK~