Christmas is the one time in the year where indulgence is encouraged.  Time to treat yourself and others.  To give thanks and celebrate.  To offer extra kindness to others and give generously.  But against the backdrop of fun and festivities life goes on with other indulgences that bring misery, sadness and grief.

Yesterday Christchurch was hit with another wave of large earthquakes and immediately I thought of all the people I know in Christchurch wondering how they were coping as nature indulged itself to another earthly roller coaster ride.   Since any vulnerable buildings in Christchurch have already been shaken down by the months of relentless wobbling but once again some people were picking up their broken possessions and reaching for their shovels to clear up the streams of liquefaction that submerge neighbourhoods.  Newly laid sewage systems commissioned only this week for some residents are now fractured so the army of portaloos will be returned to people’s backyards.  For some people these most recent quakes are the final straw.  These quakes have had more emotional impact because they are a couple of days before Christmas.

Since being caught up in the 22 February quake I certainly count my blessings every day.  Even when the going gets tough and I’m tired and cranky I know I am safe, sound and life is rich is so many ways.  If you follow me on Twitter you might notice some of my daily snaps with the hashtag #lifeisrich which is one of the ways I count my blessings and journal them online. I like to look back at the iPhone photographs and indulge myself in the good things I enjoy.

With an insane amount of packages under our Christmas tree tomorrow will be for sure a day of indulgence.  I shall also be sneaking one of these chocolate beauties that were extras of the chocolate truffles I made to give as gifts to our neighbours and friends this year.  I hope that they have as much fun eating them as I had making them.

From wherever in the world you may be reading this post, I wish you a very happy Christmas and hope that all the indulgences of this festive season are full of fun, love and laughter.