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Have yourself a Merry little Christmas …
This is the time of year so many of us enjoy and look forward to.
Instead of good cheer and relaxing times, though, many of us become very stressed and overwhelmed by the expectations of having the perfect Christmas or those greeting-card holidays.
What is important at this time of year is to remember to enjoy ourselves — to reconnect with loved ones, to take the time to have conversations and have fun. Things we may have forgotten to do during the year.
Remember, this season is about focusing on relationships: the quality time we can spend with one another; the sharing and the caring we can give to one another.
It is also a time for reflection, a time to take stock of our lives over the past year. As John Lennon wrote, “Another year over and what have we done.”
How do you fare in your assessment of the past year? What are you satisfied with? What would you like to improve?
Some tips for the holiday season:
- Take breaks throughout the week. Every hour do a little something that lifts your spirits. Make a cup of hot chocolate; listen to some holiday music.
- Buy a gift for a homeless child or adult and take it to a shelter.
- Try to notice when you become overwhelmed and take a beat. Say to yourself, “Do I really want to make myself upset over this situation? Or can I bring some compassion and patience to others and myself, and in turn reduce the stress I’m feeling in this moment.”
- Go for a walk in the park.
- Take a drive with your family and go and look at the Christmas decorations and lights around town.
- Stay up and watch a good Christmas movie such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” or a good classic such as “Gone With the Wind.”
- Try not to isolate, be around friends and relatives.
- Go to your local Christmas Eve midnight carol service or local temple or mosque where a sharing of peace and love is a central theme.
‘Tis the season to be jolly, so have yourself a merry little yuletide , a beautiful holiday and be ready for a good year ahead.
Feliz Navidad, Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy Kwanza!
And as Tiny Tim Cratchit said in the classic “A Chistmas Carol”:
God bless us every one!
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CDs to soothe the soul
My Relaxation Reverie CD collection offers meditation, guided-imagery and relaxation audio for both adults and children.
Here are three audio samples:
Fall Reverie
Magic Forest
Toy Store