Holidays

I am going to my son's for the holidays. I am looking forward to spending some quiet, quality time there. We have no plans and are not exchanging gifts. We decided the only presents that were allowed are things for the baby that they're expecting in March.

I feel grateful that I am not in the throws of the situation many people find themselves in during the holiday season. Bustling, rushing around spending money (often that you don't have), anticipating getting together with family members that are difficult, eating too much, drinking too much--all of these things sound dreadful. Yet, many people are going into the season with these things looming.

One of the most difficult things about the holidays are expectations. If we have experienced the magic of the holidays as children it is particularly dangerous. We go into the season now with our hearts set on things being the way they were and WHAM! everything is different. As adults we can end up feeling like disappointed children and totally miss the wonder.

Another danger of feeling like children happens when we are around our families. If we are around our family of origin we are, in fact, children even though we are now adults. That doesn't stop the dynamics that are so familiar. Sometimes these dynamics throw us out of balance and this can bring with it disastrous feelings and behaviors.

It is important to stay in the present and keep an open heart regardless of who you are with. This is one time of the year that everyone is a little stressed and many are depressed. Knowing this and staying steady with yourself while allowing others to be where they are keeps you from falling into their abyss.

Having faith and understanding the true meaning of the holidays makes all the difference. That makes giving and being compassionate toward others the purpose. Giving from the heart without expectations is a profound experience. When you give from an open heart, the love comes back a thousand fold.

My wish would be that everyone could feel loved and cared about during the holidays.