It is December 23 and we are not panicked nor running off for last-minute gifts. Here in the countryside of Colombia, we are living life, as usual, preparing for tomorrow to have our Christmas which is celebrated on December 24th. Christmas day is a holiday but for relaxing, not opening gifts. We are deciding on a meal to prepare as I write this blog.
I have often written about my life and how I live as a minimalist in Colombia. We love the decorations, we buy gifts but not in excess, and we enjoy spending time going to visit places to see lights and to enjoy the season simply. That is how we celebrate at Villa Migelita Ecolodge.
I am writing today to say “slow down and don’t overdo gift buying” because that is not what is important. For young children, I believe gifts are fun, but not too many. For children who are growing up, show them the gift of giving to others. Whatever your cause is give them a donation to that and show them material is fun for a couple of presents, but try to steer them into a less selfish state of mind. My intention is to spread what I believe from now on. Even with my granddaughter. I believe in saving our Earth from destruction by humans. If we just contribute a little to saving our planet, we are going to make a difference. Share some good intentions instead of a present that will certainly be discarded in a couple of months.
Finally, share the gift of love. Give a smile to a worker in a store, a flight attendant on your flight who is working the holidays, an older person who might not have a family. Bring your children to volunteer for the homeless, at a nursing home, a hospital. There are so many photos on social media of happy scenes others do not enjoy nor have a life that is filled with so much love. Some people have no one.
I end this simple blog with what means the most to me. What I have created here in Colombia is my gift to myself. Villa Migelita Ecolodge is a place filled with the joy of nature, animals, and beauty. I continue to work to improve every aspect of my Villa. I want nothing more than to wake up in the morning healthy and surrounded by nature and all that I love. I want to celebrate with a heart that is filled with accomplishment. If only one person starts to watch their use of plastic, to become more conscious of what is happening to our planet, to our environment, to try to make a little bit of change in your habits that can make a positive change to the world we leave to our grandchildren, you will give me a wonderful Christmas gift.
Hummings from Paradise 
Agreed. Christmas is meant to be about spiritualism and not materialism.
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Oh! And by the way, Merry Christmas everyone! Almost forgot. Duh!!
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Merry Christmas!
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If I were your age again I would do so much different. I agree with so much of your lifestyle. Just alway did everything their way.i lost control when I was young. 20’s. Gramps was eight years older so we did everything his way. He was the smart one. Educated and for myself I was just a wife and mom. Did all the housework inside and out by myself while gramps worked hard plus, got all his education degrees I don’t regret those early years because my kids became very successful while I alway stayed the same. Just a housewife and mother, no pay. Now as I have to sit 99 % of the time due to health, I do a lot of thinking. The internet and you tube has showed me so much of our beautiful country that I never got to see. Gramps would never get off the interstates to explore the hidden beauty. Now in my old, old, old age I’ve learn to speak up for myself. But way to late in life when your stuck in the old age home. So when I read about your place and all the lovely nature I say good for you for living your life your way. You go GIRL.
Your USA 🇺🇸 biggest fan.granny
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Dear Granny, I would never say that you wasted your life by being a good wife and mother. We all take different paths. You raised successful children! You should be proud! Gramps is with you still and you have your family come to visit you often. I know you are not happy where you are living but you have the internet and can explore every single day different worlds. I ended up doing what I am doing through much hardship, including the loss of my 20-year-old daughter. It is fortunate all has worked out for me. Thank you for being my fan and my biggest supporter. Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas Michele!! Think of you often and enjoy your blogs, just haven’t commented much lately.
Rusty (in Mn)
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Merry Christmas Rusty! Thank you and many blessings for the New Year!
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A wonderful picture and very thoughtful post
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Thanks so much. Where are you living in Colombia?
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Hi, just outside of Medellin
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