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Posted on by Rick Steves

A Christmas Greeting from Rick

For me, Christmas is more than a beautiful time of year.
It’s a powerful time of year.
We’re reminded of our humanity —
the hows and whys of our lives.
We’re reminded — whether we like it or not —
of the rich blessings of friends and family.
We’re reminded of triumphs and failures, gains and losses
in our families, communities, and world.
I think we’re blessed, thrilled, nagged, or annoyed
by the story of the first Christmas
and the presence of our maker in our lives.
For me, with the grey blanket of a Seattle winter solstice as a backdrop, I become more keenly aware of my blessings
and the importance of taking time to survey and appreciate the things that combine to make our reality.
While things get revved up at holiday time,
celebrate the silence, too.
When silence strikes, make it a gift.
Have a wonderful holiday.
I hope you can make it one you’ll long remember
warmly and happily.

Merry Christmas
May 2009 be looked upon as a springboard for a wonderful 2010

Comments

24 Replies to “A Christmas Greeting from Rick”

  2. Thanks Rick. Very well written……have a Merry Christmas with all your friends and family………..rest up and relax too……see you in 2010 for more bloggin’ ……love the DVDs….just watched the one on the micro countries……excellent….

  3. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your family and friends around the world. Our family loves your shows and information. Keep up the good work.

  11. Three years ago tonight I prayed outside the gates of the Vatican on a cold Christmas Eve in the piazza along with several other folks, Rick. It was truly a special Christmas trip for me that year to Rome and Sicily, one that I’ll never forget. Your guide books went right along with me, and they were an IMMENSE resource as I trekked through Italia. Thank you for your continuing excellence. Buon Natale, and Merry Christmas to you and your family!

  12. Rick, What a wonderful and poignant blog entry! Rick, I’d like to extend best wishes for Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to you, your family and also your staff and Guides. Hopefully 2010 will indeed be wonderful for all of us! I hope to have an opportunity for at least a quick “hello” during the tour reunion in January (although I know you’ll probably be busy filming the sessions and speaking).

  13. God bless us every one of us!! And let’s try to remember that what makes Rick Steves’ tours so enjoyable and memorable is Rick Steves’ guides and employees in Edmonds plus his bus drivers. Bill Kester, Pendleton, SC

  16. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! What a wonderful way to look at the long dark days of winter! Most people get depressed the first part of the New Year. I plan on finishing up all my plans for my trip to Ireland May 5th. This is what always keeps me busy during the winter. Researching and putting together the next trip!

  17. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge how much I appreciate your blog. It has blessed my life and that of my family. The countless times that I have been able to drop in during the day and get a taste of Europe. Your edits are always thought provoking and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to go on tour with you yet. Given some health issues I have always felt that it is best that I travel independently and thus ensure that I do not hinder others and I can take in the sights at my own speed. However, I feel I miss too many things and that brings to your blog weekly. God bless you and your employees for their service to us who love to travel. Please know that you are each appreciated. Peace, joy, and good health in the coming year to all.

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