Kelly KleinThis has always been my favourite part of the holiday season – the weeks building up to the big day. From December 1 to December 24, we anticipate the upcoming holiday.
Everyone is getting excited for the season. Everyone is preparing for the season. There is planning, baking, decorating, cooking, buying or making gifts and wrapping them, reading Christmas novels, reminiscing of holidays past, watching Christmas movies, driving or walking around looking at the colourful lights…
There is build-up in the days leading up to the big day. The atmosphere has changed. The decorations are newly put up. There’s just a feel in the air.
Everyone is preparing…there’s hustle and bustle everywhere.
BUT
My favourite thing to do this time of year is curl up under a blanket in my cozy pajamas with a good holiday romance novel, sipping on white hot chocolate, under the ambience of the Christmas lights, with no other light on.
There are those that aren’t looking forward to the holiday season. They are spending it without a loved one they lost, or they don’t have anyone at all to spend it with. There are people who don’t have enough food on the table, or no way to provide to their kids a magical Christmas. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our own holiday, but I like to think of those less fortunate, and help if I am able.
If you are one of those less fortunate, I hope you are able to enjoy the season as well. Volunteering would get your mind off your troubles – serve food at a soup kitchen, or play with the cats and dogs at the animal shelter. Read a nice holiday novel. If you can put up some lights to add colour to your life. Think of the happier times in your life. I know that even if you think you’ve had nothing but troubles, there has been some light. Hold onto that light, remember the good times, allow yourself to smile. And know that you can change your life. Think positively, set goals, take small action steps. No matter where you are in life, you can make it better.
Don’t let the holidays get you down. If you’re missing a loved one, honour their memory, but don’t dwell on their absence. Remember the good times.
If you are more fortunate, do your best to help those less fortunate. At the very least, pay it forward. Help others. We should be doing it year round, but one of the best parts of anticipating the holiday season is helping others. Be awesome and may your life be passionate!
