Holiday music is one of the best ways to get into the spirit. Pandora has lots of options:

Christmas 

R & B Holiday   

Classical Christmas  

Hannukkah 

For more holiday music options visit Pandora! 

Dear Joanne:

I think you're asking a question that a lot of us have during this time of year, whichever holiday you celebrate. I know I've been inundated with Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads for the past several weeks. Ugh!

Comedian Dave Barry observed, "Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice." It's sad that it's become like this, isn't it?

Here are some of my suggestions for making holidays fun AND spiritual:

Create Some Holiday Rituals

With a young child in the family, it's important to create some family traditions. Think back on your own family and remember what was pleasurable and enjoyable for you. How could you incorporate your own version of this within your current family? In my family we had a tradition of driving around our little town after dinners in December and checking out the holiday lights and decorations. We also made homemade eggnog and my mom and I made cookies together. My neighbors gathered to sing Christmas carols at a local nursing home. Is there a holiday story that would be fun to read with your daughter? Perhaps some volunteer work you could participate in? Holiday songs that you could sing? I have a list of Pandora holiday music in another section of this newsletter. I like the "peaceful-holiday" station.

Connect With Friends

Taking time for close friends and family members is part of what the holidays are all about. How can you share your love and caring in a way that's soul satisfying for you? You may not want to throw big dinner parties like your mother did. But would meeting with a friend to share a cup of tea or a hot cocoa feel good to you? Or, how about taking the time to call someone you care about to catch up on each other's lives. Staying connected and sharing joy is an important component to being happy at any time of year, but especially around the holidays.

Be a "Holiday Angel"

"It's been almost a year since I had an intuitive reading with you. I just listened to the recording again. I can't believe how accurate and helpful you were. Thanks so much. You really helped me get through a tough time. I'd like to schedule another session." - Ted J.