Every year around this time I hear from people about how they are already feeling swept up by the winter holidays. And not swept up in a good way. It happens for us in the UUCF office as well. Details for special services and special events swirl in our heads and we sometimes forget to experience the true spirit of the season as we are trying to create that spirit.

Here is my list of ways to manage this busy season. I hope you will add your suggestions to the "comments" section of the Faith Matters blog:

• Create or maintain a few simple traditions. Maybe some decoration, a special meal, attending the Nutcracker, hanging the greens at UUCF (Sat., Dec. 7, at 5:30 p.m., after the Messiah music service,) using an advent calendar, attending UUCF's solstice service (Sat., Dec. 20, at 4:30 p.m.) or decorating a tree.
• Enjoy special music. Our music service is this coming weekend - Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (parking will be easy for that service!), and Sunday at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. We will also have a Songs of the Season service on Sun., Dec. 22, at both services. And on Christmas Eve our early services feature children's' choirs and our late service the adult Chorale. Handbell choirs will perform at all three services.
• Find support if you need it. The holidays can be especially difficult if you are experiencing grief or even just feeling a little down. We are offering a Grief and Loss Support Group through this month and next. If a group isn't right for you, ask for help from us at UUCF or a friend you trust.
• If you give gifts, keep it simple and make it meaningful. Give experiences instead of things; make something to give; give a donation in honor of someone; give a gift purchased from our UUSC table; write a letter of appreciation instead of giving something material. Meaningful gifts might include a donating a gently used item to the Holiday Foster Care Store (enabling Fairfax County children in foster care to give gifts to loved ones) we'll have in our Commons until Christmas or sponsoring an area family in need for the holidays through Our Daily Bread.
• Less is sometimes more. Be mindful of consumption during the holidays. Whether it is money spent, food, alcohol or some other excess that sometimes gets you in trouble, be mindful that less is often more.

Happy Holidays!
Yours,
Mary Katherine