We already know something about expectations. But what about staying happy during a happy time? Not so easy when it comes to gift giving or tight budgets or whether we can give anything at all to those we love. Family members are either around or not and either one may be stressful.
Here is where to start. Remember to take pleasure in small things, those little nice experiences where we meet someone on the street and they smile at us or when something actually goes right for a change. Take time to reflect on the things that we are grateful for in our lives. Find whatever silver lining that exists and make the most of it. Take some time to slow down and enjoy the moment. If we get so caught up in what we are doing to finish every single task we are not actually savoring what it is that we are doing and what time of year it is. It is the time of year to join in the merriment of being together, being alive and celebrating traditions that we have grown up with.
Separating ourselves from the hype, the aggravation and the pressure to get everything perfect is the goal. Give yourself permission to enjoy yourself and recognize that you have a right to enjoy the holiday season too. Remember that the greatest gift is the gift of love. Loving kindness goes a long way toward making your holidays season really happy. If you can't buy gifts then make something. Writing a note to everyone you love an telling them how much they mean to you is something that can be treasured. You can always make it up when times are better. It's never the size of the gift but the size of the love you give it with that matters most.
Count your blessing, make something special, take some time for merriment and take pleasure in the positive is the best holiday message.
Be well and be safe.
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