As we approach the holiday season let us pause and be thankful for what we do have that is wonderful in our life. Be mindful of those around you and lend a hand or show of support to individuals who may be suffering this time of year. Giving someone the gift of your time can be one of the greatest gifts of all.
Those celebrating the holiday season for the first time in a new phase of life, such as marriage, or in your own apartment or home, or with a child for the first time, have an opportunity to create some new traditions. Maybe you admired a tradition in someone else's home that you can now create in your own home. It's an opportunity to personalize your family in a way that's important to you.
This can be a time to reflect on what is going well in your life. With the challenges in our economy be thankful for having a job...even if it is not your ideal job. Does it allow you to provide for your family and make them comfortable?
Many people take health for granted. Celebrate the fact that you and your loved ones are healthy. If you are recovering from an illness, has there been progression in a positive direction?
Think about some milestones that may have been achieved this year. Did you get a promotion? Was a new life brought into this world? Did you adopt a pet? Did you pick up a new hobby that allows you to relieve some stress? Did you help someone else achieve a milestone in their life? These are all things we can recognize and be thankful for.
Since my husband, daughters and I do not live near family, we started a tradition of creating a letter to enclose with our Christmas card each year. Having moved several times, we now have close friends all over this great country that we don't get to see very often. We update them on the birthdays we have all celebrated, new additions to our home pet population....which stands at 4 currently. We remember those close to us who have passed on during the year with fond memories of that individual. We announce transitions, such as our oldest daughter being accepted into college for next year. I actually keep a Word Document on file that I add to as different things happen during the year. Then when this time of year rolls around, I have bullet points to remind me of those milestones. It's a way to stay connected with those we cherish and allows us to share some joyful memories of the past year.
Looking at life during this holiday season, may you be thankful for what you do have and may you feel the desire to give of your time, talent or treasure to those who do not have.
It helps to look at it from the positive perspective......