Home >> Christmas Strategies >> Light Up Christmas

Light Up Christmas

We've all had those days - the weather is nasty, and car is making these strange noises, and you have a dental appointment. Breakfast is a grab and run affair, and lunch is pretty much the same. Now everyone is heading home and the evening is filled with homework, cleaning, dishes, and
that tension headache that has been coming on all day.

Reality - most assuredly but as the saying goes "There is a silver lining...."

The Holiday Season is here and it has all the bright colors, ribbons, and bells that make it shiny, exciting, and ...

How could there be a silver lining when credit card bills rise, tempers flare, and fender benders are a dime a dozen? Well, let's back up just a bit. In fact, let's back up a whole lot. Remember as a child nothing could contain your enthusiasm, expectation, and fun. You woke up in a good mood, your day was filled with family, friends, and happiness, and at night you fell asleep and those sugar plums were dancing all around you. Ahem -

There is your silver lining - take back the Holidays - use your energy and not your wallet or credit card to bring joy to everyone - starting with your-
self. Only a good night's sleep will put a twinkle in your eye, and only good vibes will get you through you day. Enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa and read a few pages from a good book, when it starts snowing grab the kids and "catch" those first flakes, say "Thank You", "Good Night" and "Please" to family as well as strangers. A word of praise to a child doing his homework, or to Dad working on the bills opens the door to Christmas Joy.

At the check-out when someone is fumbling through their purse, don't sigh with impatience, see the brilliance of the lights and decorations; when a
driver cuts in front of you, don't give him/her a new name, just take a deep breath, and sing a line from Jingle Bells. Silly - not at all - it's taking control of the situation and sprinkling some "Christmas magic" everywhere. A smile, holding a door, saying "Merry Christmas" or picking up something that someone dropped - they are the nourishment that the Christmas Spirit
uses to heal harried nerves and tension headaches.

See a book someone might enjoy - make a very special bookmark to go with it - a picture of a favorite vacation spot, or a loved pet. The gift - well worth its weight in gold. Not handy or talented - or you just never tried - whichever, there are ribbons, glitter, and other inexpensive touches to add to any gift. A robe for grandpa with a handful of favorite mints in the pocket, a bowl of your best chili taken to a neighbor on a cold winter night, or a child's voice on a tape to a relative so far away. Just thinking of ways to bring happiness and joy returns the favor immediately - you feel happier, and the Christmas Spirit is alive and well - in you, your friends and
family and the world - the glow of Christmas shines through the universe and you helped.

Try it and enjoy!

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 November

For a free newsletter, as well as some great gift ideas, please visit
http://www.arleenssite.com