There is no doubt the best time of the year has approached us, ‘tis the season. We already see Christmas decorations in the stores as well as Thanksgiving. In a normal year, holiday season can be stressful for some, but in this trying year of 2020 the stress, anxiety, and pressure can be even more suffocating.

Now more than ever is all the more reason to remember what the holiday season is about and to remember we all can still have an amazing, loving, joyful, and meaningful holiday season.

There is no room for self doubt, pity, anger, frustration, depression, anxiety, and darkness this holiday season. Do not let this season fly by and not use the opportunity to divulge in gratitude, joy, appreciation, togetherness, laughter, and love.

Being grateful for just making it to another holiday season is reason enough to get up and smile. There are many families this year that have experienced some unthinkable pain and loss. When I was growing up we were taught that holiday season is important because there are some people that aren’t here this year that was here last year.

Use this time to get together with family, if its safe of course, and enjoy just being together. There isn’t anything else in this world that’s more important than laughing together, taking photos, hugging one another, and breathing in the same air. Just think back almost nine months ago when we had no idea how we would make it through this year.

In my family, we use holidays as a way to gas our tanks and fuel up to get through the year. Sometimes we just need those couple of days to not think about work, finances, troubles, schedules, meetings, school, relationships, or whatever else is weighing heavy on us. Being around loved ones allows us to remember who we are, that we are loved, and we’re not fighting this fight alone. As long as we have a meal and everyone arrived safely, we could careless about a gift . That is our gift.

Yes this year many people are out of work, experiencing financial difficulties like no other, children are home schooling, some don’t know how they are going to pay bills, or where the next meal is coming from but guess what you still can have a faithfilled, enjoyable, and happy holiday season.

It isn’t about how much you spend on a gift or even if you gift at all. The gift is the joy of being together. It is so much truth and value in the saying “eat, drink, and be merry”. Start by creating an atmospheric presence in the home. Make your home inviting with decorations and scents of the season. Set a mood of calmness, peace, and relaxation for everyone.

We are in the time where DIY is the best decor. Have the kids and the whole family for that matter get creative and put some personal touches of gratitude throughout the home. Years ago at my office we came up with a chain of gratitude. We cut strips of construction paper about 2 inches in width, in holiday colors and passed them around to every employee including the CEO. The instructions were to write down things we were grateful and happy for. Next we would link them together to see how long the chain could grow and for the entire holiday season we hung it around the office. It was amazing to say the least and to walk in everyday and just see what others were grateful for and how far they’ve come through the year was inspiring.

Candles are always a great way to set the mood. Get some hot chocolate and whipped cream, Netflix and chill, and take photos. Document the journey.

Use the technology that’s available to you. Have family Zoom meetings. Talk about what each other is cooking, how was school or work, and connect. Staying connected in some way will keep everyone spirits high.

Don’t stress about gifts. Give what your heart desire. Give what’s in your budget. And guess what, if thats nothing more than a phone call to say I love you and I miss you, then thats worth a million. Give a gift of commitment to engage with the family more.

Fill your heart by volunteering, donating time, money if you have the means, or serve a meal in your community. Trust me, this is a gift. In the end you’ll be filled with so much gratitude.

Remember to be thankful, you’re alive, breathing, appreciate this moment, there is a lesson that 2020 has given us, and live in your truth. Don’t worry about what others are doing this holiday season.

Laugh, Smile, Eat, and enjoy each other.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.