This Holiday Season

With the holiday season upon us, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the times. You can get completely stressed out over how you're going to pay for that new computer for your kids or your spouse's new ring. You have the "Secret Santa" going at your office and you have cards to write and send as well as obligatory parties and other social events to show up at. Then there's your home. You have lights to put up outside your house, a tree to set up and decorate and oh yeah, finding the time in your already stuffed personal schedule to accomplish all this.

No wonder so many people dread the holiday season. People put far too much pressure on themselves during the holiday season. No matter what your religious affiliation, remember that the holidays season is about love and togetherness. Yes, of course you'll want to buy gifts and you will want to attend some parties in honor of the season and do so if it brings you joy. If these things do not make you happy, don't put that kind of pressure on yourself.

If you're budget won't allow for extravagant gifts, be honest with your family that high dollar gifts may not be in the cards this year and find other ways to celebrate. Your kids especially can be brilliant at coming up with ways to honor this holiday that don't involve all the commercialism that seems to have enveloped this season.

Breathe deep, step back and relax. The holiday season isn't about crass commercialism. No matter what your faith or spiritual path you walk, it is about love, respect and forgiveness. Open your heart and mind this year and truly enjoy this holiday season for its true meaning.
 posted by Friends of Leah