After spending a wonderful weekend of Christmas caroling, ice skating, and drinking frognog with the family, it was time to get back to the hustle and bustle of daily life. Or was it?
I was out for my morning hop, giving this blog some thought, when it dawned on me that we all put far too much stress on ourselves during the holidays. Myself included. We all want the to give our loved ones the perfect, memorable holiday; you, know, like the ones we see on the TV Christmas movies. The truth is, that isn't reality. It's all staged; with actors paid to look perfect and happy, and a Chritmas tree that's been decorated by professionals with unlimited budgets. The children all seem too smart and well-behaved. The in-laws are pleasant and gracious. But we all know, on some level, that life isn't like that. While juggling a career, a home, the kids' soccer practice, shopping for presents, and decorating, we over-look the true meaning of Christmas. We're so busy that we don't have time to notice the simple things that make this time of year so special. Christmas isn't about the glitz and and the glam. It isn't about making everything perfect. It should be a celebration of life; a joyous and relaxing time spent with family and friends. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the message this Christmas was L-O-V-E not S-A-L-E? Not just for this year, but every year. Perhaps if we put less stress on ourselves to do everything, we'd have more time and energy to enjoy the wonderous pleasures of this magical time of year. Instead of rushing to the store and battling the crowds, only to find that what we wanted is sold out, let's try taking a deep breath and resist the urge to participate in the craziness. The boss can live without that necktie. Really. He can. Wouldn't you rather get together with your family or friends and toast marshmellows, or make a batch of cookies? Truthfully, doesn't that sound more like the Christmas you really want? And the one that your kids will remember, long after the toys have been thrown out....
Don't waste time this holiday season freaking out over the things that don't really matter. All that anyone really needs, or wants, from you is your love. And what better way to give them that, than to spend time making memories that you'll all cherish for a lifetime.
I was out for my morning hop, giving this blog some thought, when it dawned on me that we all put far too much stress on ourselves during the holidays. Myself included. We all want the to give our loved ones the perfect, memorable holiday; you, know, like the ones we see on the TV Christmas movies. The truth is, that isn't reality. It's all staged; with actors paid to look perfect and happy, and a Chritmas tree that's been decorated by professionals with unlimited budgets. The children all seem too smart and well-behaved. The in-laws are pleasant and gracious. But we all know, on some level, that life isn't like that. While juggling a career, a home, the kids' soccer practice, shopping for presents, and decorating, we over-look the true meaning of Christmas. We're so busy that we don't have time to notice the simple things that make this time of year so special. Christmas isn't about the glitz and and the glam. It isn't about making everything perfect. It should be a celebration of life; a joyous and relaxing time spent with family and friends. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the message this Christmas was L-O-V-E not S-A-L-E? Not just for this year, but every year. Perhaps if we put less stress on ourselves to do everything, we'd have more time and energy to enjoy the wonderous pleasures of this magical time of year. Instead of rushing to the store and battling the crowds, only to find that what we wanted is sold out, let's try taking a deep breath and resist the urge to participate in the craziness. The boss can live without that necktie. Really. He can. Wouldn't you rather get together with your family or friends and toast marshmellows, or make a batch of cookies? Truthfully, doesn't that sound more like the Christmas you really want? And the one that your kids will remember, long after the toys have been thrown out....
Don't waste time this holiday season freaking out over the things that don't really matter. All that anyone really needs, or wants, from you is your love. And what better way to give them that, than to spend time making memories that you'll all cherish for a lifetime.
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