title: Conquering the Grief that Stole Christmas: Shifting your vision to have hope during the holidays
author:  Tammy McDonald 
description: Tammy McDonald lives in the Houston area with her husband James and their teen daughters Kenzie and Kendra. Her children find it comical that she enjoys being on or near the waterbut NEVER in it. She loves camping, watching a good movie, and eating cheesy Tex-Mex. When she isnt playing taxi driver for her children, she focuses on ways that she can help others find hope after loss. She is a Christian Life Coach who specializes in all types of Grief and Loss. She began this journey after experiencing several significant losses of her own. She is the founder of Shifted Vision Ministries and has the calling on life to help people find and embrace the good that God has planned for them, even after devastating loss. Her message...there is HOPE!
zlib_text: Dear Readers:
   
  We hope you enjoy the lighthearted and humorous Christmas stories
  in The M
  ost Wonderful Time of the Y ear. The real meaning of
  Christmas is neither about gifts and food, nor fiery romances. And,
  while some are enjoying the holidays, so many people are often
  hungry, lonely or depressed during this time of the year. We wrote
  stories of hope, in hopes to make you smile and take you away, if
  only for a moment from the stresses of this world.
   
  May you be blessed according to your needs!
   
  Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy.
   
  Always,
   
  Theresa Hodge
  Carla P ennington
  Shani Greene-Dowdell
   
  
  All I Want For Christmas
   
   
  by Carla P ennington
   
   
   
  Melissa stood at the Best Buy register and waited for the cashier
  to total her items. She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Christmas,
  even the traffic, crowds, arguments and fights. The idea of Christmas
  shopping brought a smile to her face. She listened to the children
  laugh, cheer and whine in the store. She watched the array of 