Laughter is good for the soul. Plain and simple. It makes you feel great inside and out. It can lighten up a heavy situation and even bring people and love together. 

These images are from a few years ago at Christmas time. My sister Jennifer loves to take advantage of the time our family gets together and makes sure to capture photographs to create as special memories and often, a Christmas card as well. This is always at the top of her list and we appreciate her for taking the lead.

A theme is usually involved which makes it creative and more lively. In this particular Christmas image, my family traveled to Indiana to spend Christmas with us. Randy, Sammy, and I could not wait to host them in our small city! This particular year, the theme of the Christmas photograph was to wear paraphernalia that represented the colleges/universities we attended. In the months leading up to our photo shoot, each of us made sure to get tee shirts, caps, pants, water bottles, and more, to represent our higher education institutions. Sammy’s tee shirt rightfully said, “Undecided” as he still has a “few more years” until he decides which college he will attend. Moreover, alongside the theme, usually comes suggestions as to how we should pose. In this case, Jennifer suggested we all laugh out loud and what you see in these group images is exactly that. 

Laughter is so good for the soul. It is a stress reliever and stimulates our organs. I don’t know about you, but anything that is good for my heart, lungs and muscles is a keeper! And add to this, endorphins are released by our brain when we laugh, and this specifically helps us lessen painful emotions and manage stress. Note to self: laugh every day Lesley. 

In the Bible, God even wants us to laugh! “Let your heart be merry” certainly comes out of Judges 19:6. 

So today, which just happens to be “National Let’s Laugh Day,” remember to laugh! Whether it’s with a friend or family member, watching a television show or Netflix, listening to a pastor’s joke, or laughing at yourself at an awkward moment you once had, go for it! You’ll be happy you did!