Many of us start as early as the summer, and some at this point, even have it all done. And so the hustle and bustle of the season begins. With the holidays fast approaching, already you hear people saying how stressful Christmas is, and all the work involved. Planning meals, the gift shopping, and the visiting etc.
But does it have to be? Or have we just become a society, that has blown every holiday into more than it should be. As we get older, we find, that we don't enjoy it as much, and it truly shouldn't be that way.
Life was so much simpler and our demands were not so far fetched. Yes things were less expensive, but whatever happened to "it's the thought that counts". Whether our families are big or small, there needs to be some compromise. Simplify our lives. There is no need for the holiday season, to be a stressful time.
As a child growing up in an Italian family, our main focus was always the meal prep. Even that over the years, family members made sure that we shared that deed. No reason, why a mother has to spend weeks before the holidays preparing all this food, for one meal. Eventually, after much convincing, we ended up doing more of a "potlock" meal. Brought our favourite dishes, or made whatever, she didn't need to make.
Now there's the mall thing. I for one, try to avoid them like the plague. People change. You venture to the shopping malls at the Christmas season, and people just get ugly. If it's not a fight for a close parking spot. It's the line ups, and the battle for the sale items, that makes us crazy.
You need to figure out , how to make it easier for yourself, and a happier time of year. Many of us, of Christianity, or religious backgrounds, like to keep the church and faith during this time, to make it about what the season to us, truly is about.
Whether it's about Santa Claus, or the birth of Christ, you need to stay focused on simplifying life, and making it about you and your loved ones and family/friends. Taking the time for visiting a loved one who's been hospitalized. Instead of buying gifts for members of your family, who truly don't need anything, adopt a family, and sponsor them for the Christmas season. Find out from any organization, what you can do to make a difference.
Yes! A season for giving and receiving, but honestly, if we have been blessed with all we need, then focus on giving. Make it about baking cookies with a friend or someone you know who can't, or doesn't have the means. Visit a nursing home or LTC, just to make a seniors life happier.
Make a change, be the one to open our next generations eyes, and let them know Christmas is every day of the year of our lives, and that, when the actual holiday arrives, make it about someone in need.
Take care, and enjoy the upcoming weeks, and don't let them stress you from now.
Love you all , Miss "B".
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