Feeling a tad bit under the weather. And none of Mom’s beefstew on hand to help me fight off the ‘germies’. Ahhh, and yet, I soldier on. Thought I’d share one of my favorite versions of “Silent Night” with you. And um…a post I’ve been playing around with for a while now.

So….hit the play button while you’re reading this

It’s the holiday season. That makes ME smile. I love spending time with my family and friends, laughing, reliving memories, making new memories…just being fully engaged in the business of living. To be sure, that’s not just a “holiday” experience for us. There’s just something about the holiday season that makes it feel…richer, deeper.

Inevitably, I always run across people who moan and groan about how commercialized Christmas has become. Or folks who don’t celebrate Christmas. Or want to regale me with tales of how it began as a pagan holiday, how it’s not “really” Jesus’ birthday, etc….as if I don’t already know that. *smh*

Here’s my take on it:

For those who say it’s become too commercialized…what does that have to do with YOU? Seriously. Because you feel the larger society has reduced the Holiday season to one giant sale doesn’t mean YOU have to buy into it - literally or figuratively. Make it mean what it needs to mean for you and yours. Take a “commercial break”. Change the channel on all the marketing, all the “gimme gimme gimme”. Step outside all of that and find your own Christmas. Step back and decide what works best for you and yours - start your own traditions that aren’t centered around spending outrageous sums of money. AND…don’t be a bah humbug to those who DO buy into all the shininess of mass merchandised Christmas. Respect & reciprocate. It’s just that simple. Seriously.

Bottom line? Celebrate or don’t celebrate. It’s cool either way. Extend some grace…and space…for others to do their thing as well. I mean, it IS the holiday season and whatnot.

Christmas or Any Day

Giving of Ourselves is the perfect way to celebrate the day! How about sharing a gift that anyone can give, afford, and anyone would love to receive?

C -”The gift of Consideration“…This could mean providing genuine understanding of their side of an issue.

H -”Giving of our Heart“…This could mean taking the time to really listen to someone. Feel what they are feeling. Understand who they are and why they are who they are. Try to understand by putting ourselves in their shoes.

R -”Giving others Respect “…This could mean giving someone your full attention, giving someone space to grow, respect others for simply being not for the possessions they may hold.

I -”The Gift of Inspiration“…This could mean by planting the seeds of courage and action in the heart of another.

S -”Giving of our Soul“…This could mean giving of ourselves at a spiritual level. It may be in the form of praying for somebody. It may involve meditating on helping someone else and uncovering solutions to their problems. Or, it may be by doing something such as sending off positive healing and energy vibes.

T -”Giving of our Time “…This could be taking time to provide a listening ear to someone in need, offer prayer, send cards to the sick and shut ins, organize an event, volunteer your time.

M -”Giving unconditional love all Mankind“…This could mean giving someone some of what is inside of our soul, sharing with them our time, talents and treasures that we have been given.

A -”The Gift of Attention“… This could mean when another person speaks listening attentively. If their words are directed to us, we should make eye contact so that the other knows we are truly listening.

S -”Giving of our Space“…This could mean doing something like letting someone go ahead of us in a line. This could be opening our doors and inviting our neighbours into our homes. Or, we could simply be generous in giving people the space to be whoever they want to be. Let’s not judge others so quickly; let’s increase our level of acceptance.

– Author Unknown

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” –Albert Einstein