A Spirited Christmas

A gift of 2020 is that it has given us the ability to slow down, to be more present and while we have this gift, it has been difficult to accept it because there is too much going on around us, I know that to be true for myself. Here we are and it is the Holiday Season, and I must admit, things seem a little brighter, a little more festive, and perhaps a little bit more reminiscent of yesteryear. While we can’t be together, we can be celebrating the season in our homes, in our neighborhoods and in our communities. This year’s celebrations look different. I am in awe of all the early decorating and everyone just looking to add some joy, and they are taking charge in their homes, and letting go of the chaos of the season (it does not exist this year) and rather being a little bit more present, more joyful, more open to the spirit of the season. We can do so in our neighborhoods just by a few sparkling lights, or a wreath on our door or a kind gesture for a neighbor, look around you, it is all there, and it is time we stop and smell the pine needles and scents of the season. Our communities are resilient and in the midst of it all, shop owners and storefronts are showing up, are decorating their windows and what we can do is turn our dollars away from Amazon (when possible) and shop local and support these lovely businesses in our towns.

It is Christmas time in the city, in the town, in the village.

It is Christmas time in our homes.

It is Christmas time in our hearts.

It is Christmas time in a child’s eyes, that excitement, wonder and glow.

This year has been an unbelievable challenge for many (most of us), and out of every challenge comes an opportunity, and our opportunity here is a gift.

It is the gift of time.

It is the gift of the season.

It is the gift of being present.

It is the gift of focusing on the real things.

It is the gift of joy.

It is the gift of peace.

It is the gift of comfort.

It is the gift of family.

It is the gift of home.

If you like this season, you feel it tremendously because the hustle and bustle is not a thing this year, and simplicity, presence, spirit and joy are. Be with it, enjoy it, even in the midst of your worry, your old thought patterns, your overwhelm and your uncertainty.

For those of you that don’t love the season, perhaps this is your year to feel a little bit more Christmas cheer. When you find yourself complaining, redirect and think about your blessings. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart: decorate, cook, entertain, and do it all. No, you get to choose what you do and how you do it. Keep it simple. Make it joyful. Focus on the Blessings. Let the lights twinkle as a reminder of the magic of the season and the love in your heart!

Let us not forget the reason for the season. A child was born, and in that birth came new beginnings and promises. What is it that you want to give birth to this season and in the new year? You have everything inside of you to do what ever it is you want or be what ever it is you want to be (feelings not occupation). Let this season be your playground for joy, presence, peace, comfort and light, a vision of where you are and where you want to be. Make it Magical! XO