Christmas is a time of renewal. A time when the best in humanity is called forth amid the safety of traditions. A time when it feels good to give, when grievances are abolished, when Heaven comes to Earth for a moment.

We tend to think of Christmas as a time for children, but what if Christmas gives each of us the opportunity to be the Child? To have wise men bring priceless gifts to us, to be held by an adoring mother and father while shepherds and other good folk admire us, to feel that everything will be okay...forever? What if Christmas is a chance to start fresh? Clean slate. New.

Instead of offering the New Year resolutions, we could give it our brand new selves. We could leave behind the mistakes, the regret, the hurtful words, all of it. Surely Christmas is a perfect time to start over, to make big changes, to do a turnaround. If we could see ourselves as the adored Child, we might remember our innocence.

This Christmas, I invite you to be the Child. Cradle yourself. Gift yourself from wise men and women. Start your life out the way you have always wanted, by acknowledging your bountiful gifts of spirit, with angels shouting from the glorious heavens that you, a very special human being, are reborn. Be close to the Earth in your manger, with a loving Father and Mother allowing the shepherds to come close (but not too close) to adore you. Include the animals in your rebirth, and realize with them that you are always loved.

Know that you are a cradled, gifted, adored Earth child, with a loving Mother and Father who are just a heartbeat away. Take this new you into the New Year, resolving to express your joyful new self to all you meet.

May Peace be your priority, Hope your foundation, Joy your birthright, and Love your gift.

Emily Seate is author of "Ah-mah," Book One of the HeartMind Chronicles. http://www.webeushouse.com/ She is also known for her books on the Fostoria Glass Company (Collector Books) http://www.fostoriacrystal.com/ Her books are available from her websites or from Amazon.com.