
‘Children see magic because they look for it.’ – Christopher Moore
During one of our holidays in Italy, we met an delightful eighty-two-year old man in Monopoli, a small town in Puglia.
While we were admiring the view, this charming gentleman stopped to enquire where we were from and in turn he shared about his full life.
What stood out for me was the enthusiasm he had for his life, however, he wasn’t sharing about life changing events, but rather, the simple joys, like the delicious breakfast he prepared each day, or the cute stories about his grandchildren, or the cherished moments in nature, or having dinner with family and friends.
He said, ‘I am never bored and even though I live alone, I have many jobs to fulfil around the home and I am always excited to begin a new day, remaining open to learn something new.’
After leaving this uplifting conversation, I realised how rare his attitude was, and how many times I had missed or ignored these beautiful moments, because I was too busy looking at the big picture.
And so, as we approach this busy time of year with all the distractions and pressures that Christmas pulls us into, perhaps we can reflect on this wonderful man’s message.
‘Look at everything as though you are seeing it for the first time, with eyes of a child, fresh with wonder.’
Merry Christmas everyone, I am so grateful to you and your presence here!

Carpe diem! π
Have a wonderful Christmas, Karen!
Amen Eliza! Thank you and see you in the New Year π ππΏπ π
And a Merry Christmas to you also Karen. We do get sidetracked but that mans message is such a profound understanding. To see the world anew each day is a beauty all its own. Love and light to you, have a great day, each day too π€π₯°π€£π¦ππ πΆπππ¦βοΈβ€οΈπ
Thank you Mark! Hereβs to discovering new perspectives and wonder in 2026! ππ ππ π
Amen to that kind lady π€π₯°ππ πΆππ¦βοΈβ€οΈπ
A Most Enjoyable and Blessed Christmas to you Karen and your family and thank you for sharing my friend π
Thank you so much Ashley! ππ»
I wish you many blessings over the holidays too. ππ ππΏπ
Thanks Karen for the reminder x Lynette A
Thank you Lynette! Merry Christmas and so nice to hear from you πππ ππ
Lovely story, Karen. Wishing you and your family a lovely and peaceful Christmas season. Blessings of love to you. ππ»π
Thank you Carrie. I wish the same to you ππ ππ
So true that the simple things in life bring you joy. For me hand washing dishes release epiphanies for me. Sometimes Children do not have to look for magic. If you look closely they are magic. Have a happy holidays.
I agree! The magic is present in each of us. Have a wonderful Christmas. Thank you ππ» π
May your holidays be filled with peace, laughter, love, and blessings, dear Karen. π
Thank you Carol. I appreciate your presence here. Have a wonderful holiday time ππ ππ
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Thank you Karen for this story and the reminder to appreciate what truly matters.
May you have a warm hearted Christmas filled with laughter and joy πππππ§π»βπ
Are off to anywhere special this year?
Thank you Val! ππ We live by the beach now and our family is coming to stay with us at Christmas which I am very excited about. I wish you a beautiful Christmas too with family and friends. π ππ ππΏπ
Have a heart warming gathering π
Thank you ππ»
Merry Christmas to you, Karen, and thank you for such a beautiful uplifting story that reminds us of what truly matters in our lives.
Thank you so much Michele. Merry Christmas you and your family. ππ π₯°π
Your story of the gentleman in Monopoli captures so perfectly how a life can feel rich and βmagicalβ through simple, everyday joys, especially when we meet each new day with curiosity instead of habit, Karen. Beautifully written and told. It is a timely thought in this season to step out of the rush, notice the small blessings right in front of us, and see our lives again with the fresh eyes of a child. Merry Christmas to you and wishing you the best as we finish this year β€οΈ
Thank you Randall! Your posts and beautiful photos remind me of the magic and vastness in this world, and how each person has a unique story to share with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family and blessings for 2026. ππ ππ
Wonderful story of a magical time. Wishing you much enjoyment this Christmas and new year⦠sending love x
Thank you so much Barbara! ππ»ππMerry Christmas to you and your family. Much love and many blessings. π₯°π
Have a very joyous holiday season, Karen. π