Let’s Do Something Different
For the Holidays This Year!
Written by:
Pamela Cole Harris
Web Site:
Home and Garden Makeover.com
Each
year, for too many of us, the holiday season just doesn't live up to
our expectations. Instead of joy, it brings stress; instead of peace,
it brings tension; instead of love, it brings animosity. This
holiday, let's do something different. Let's
let ourselves and our family enjoy the season! Here's how to begin:
1. Don't make yourself crazy this year! If the house isn't perfect,
who cares? Friends and family come for the memories and the
companionship, not to count the dust bunnies. And if you have dust
bunnies, just paint 'em red and green and pretend they are part of
the décor! Next year, when they remember the holiday, they won't
remember the books out of place or the stain on the rug, they will
remember how
relaxed they felt in your home.
2. Don't force togetherness! Some family members love you dearly, but
they find mandatory togetherness an ordeal. Let them spend the
holiday in ways that make them happy, not in ways you have determined
they should. Leave them free to join the gathering of their free
will, not out of family guilt. They will love you for it!
3. Remember that the holiday is about joy, not a grim march to buy
*stuff.* Nobody wants you to put yourself in debt over your head to
give them something they may not even remember by next Christmas.
While a gift of sacrifice of the heart given with love is what the
season is all about, all too often we give gifts of sacrifice of the
pocketbook in lieu of love.
4. If you have *always* made the holiday meal, give it up this year.
Have a potluck with everyone contributing! It will give you more time
to enjoy the company and will give them all a chance to show off
their special culinary expertise! (And you might find a new favorite
holiday dish!)
5. Give your family what they really want for Christmas - your
attention and praise! They may not remember that tie you spent hours
picking out for them, but they will remember the moments you spent
telling them how proud you are of the person they have become. They
may not use the bubble bath, but they could use your forgiveness and
understanding. They may not be warmed by sweaters or afghans, but
they will be warmed by your love and caring.
This year, as families gather together for the holiday season,
remember that what will endure from this year's celebrations are the
gifts of memories, connections, time, praise, and love. And these
things you can't buy, can't polish, can't bake
(contrary to advertisements!), and can't mandate. So let's do
something different for the holidays this year - let's just enjoy!
And who knows, we just might have the best holiday ever!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35 years experience.
Visit her website,
http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com, for a free newsletter with
remodeling, home improvement and decorating ideas for the financially
challenged and creatively deficient. Or for unique content for your
website, written especially for your keywords and audience, visit
http://www.pamelacoleharris.com.
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