Putting Meaning Back Into Christmas

It takes death to bring us to a halt and remind us how short our lives really are, and what a waste is our hurrying, scurrying and worrying. My mother in law died recently and it made me think about how nice it would be for Christmas to be a time to relax, have fun and connect with family and friends, instead of getting tired out making it nice for everyone but you. Here are some tips to put meaning back in Christmas and keep you grounded:

• Don’t become a slave to tradition. Make Christmas your own. Give yourself permission to keep the traditions you like and discard the rest.

• Simplify the tasks and get organized early to enjoy Christmas. Do your shopping in November, put the tree up early December and consider not sending cards this year, but write thank you cards in January instead

• If sending cards, consider writing a few lines of appreciation to the person instead of a canned message. They will value your card so much more

• Be generous to those with less than you, whether you visit someone who is lonely or give a donation.

• Set limits on amounts spent on gifts, and consider investing in something like Heifer International who buys pairs of animals to send to poor families to raise.

• Tell people you care about what you love and appreciate about them., Don’t wait until it is too late

• Try to eat moderately this Christmas and spare your body the extra weight gain. More food does not equate with more happiness.

• Take a day or two for a personal retreat. Take time to think about your life as the year ends, your achievements, struggles and hopes for the year ahead.

COMPLIMENTS OF GRACE GERRY www.gracefulsolutions.ca