Choosing Happiness During The Holidays

         So many people are already starting to complain about the Holidays.  “I can’t wait until Christmas is over” they say.  “I hate the Holidays” they say, “It is too much work and stress and money!”  Well it doesn’t have to be, if you choose to change it.  We all get wrapped up in the things that society says we should do, how about doing the Holidays the way we want?

       The Holiday Season can be a great opportunity to take charge of our own lives.  Speaking of charge, we shouldn’t feel obligated to use our credit cards!  If you take some time and discuss a spending plan with your family, you can avoid getting caught up in the spending frenzy that too often overtakes us all!  It can be a great opportunity for recycling.  Suggest to friends and family members that in lieu of going out and buying each other expensive presents,  gifts come from items that we already own, but may not use or need anymore.  I am not suggesting that we offer each other our old toothbrushes, but if you look around you may find things that no longer interest you but that someone else would love to have.  As the saying goes, “one persons trash is another persons treasure”.

      Chances are that your friends and family will be relieved and grateful to you for making the suggestion.  The money crisis that many of us are facing can be seen as an opportunity to appreciate what we have, and a chance to limit waste.

      Getting the children involved is another great idea!  Consider making gifts as well!  It can be a great bonding time for parent and child, as you teach your son or daughter a skill that you possess, as a means of creating gifts together!  Whether it is cooking, sewing, crocheting, beading, photography, you may even consider taking a class together and learning something new.  Everyone loves to receive a homemade gift that comes from the heart!  And how much fun is it to create something beautiful!!  This can be a great opportunity to teach our children about giving, appreciation, the lessons are endless!

     One of the best things about humanity is free will.  We can choose to be miserable and focus on all of things that we want and can not have right now, or we can flip the coin and examine everything that is good in our lives while we work hard together to achieve the things we want.  And it doesn’t hurt to remember those who have less then we do, a tremendous amount of joy can be found in helping others if we can.

     The Holidays can go from seeming like a drag, to an exciting time for families to grow closer, learn new skills together and learn to appreciate each other and all of the great things that we do have.  The choice is ours!