What’s on the Wish List for You this Holiday?

This time of year is full of should’s and have to’s from family traditions and cultural dictums about how we are to celebrate the holidays. You find yourself pushing to get all of it done the way it is “supposed to be done”. How about this year, making the holidays the way YOU want them to be.

The holidays not only bring fun and festivity, but often sad memories of lost loved ones and memories of past years that seemed happier than now.

The Challenge

The challenge is to have this year include all of the remembering. Make room in the busyness for some quiet time to reflect, grieve and honor the memory of lost loved ones and years past. And then make room to explore what would really make the holidays pleasurable for you.

New Traditions

Years ago my family agreed that the adults didn’t need more stuff; so now we donate money to each others favorite charity. We get to feel good about the giving and benefit other people at the same time.

My friend Kathy’s family does a “White Elephant” gag gift exchange that they play as a game when they gather. My friend Anne’s family each pick a child’s name of the nieces and nephews and buys one gift for that child only.

So what is it for you? What can you let go of so that your days are less crazy? What do you want to bring in to really feel the spirit of the season? It ‘s worth the time to ask. You will probably be surprised how agreeable family and friends will be in making new, simpler traditions that speak to everyone’s hearts.

Have a wonder-filled holiday~