Celebrate

Here in America, it is that time of year where we are swamped with holidays and too many of us lose our joy at a time when we are supposed to be the most joyful. The focus of this time is on friends, family and celebration. We want it bigger and better than we had it last year, or maybe you’re finding yourself depressed because this year isn’t any different from last year when you went without, your kids went without.

It is so easy to lose sight of the simple joy of this time of year, especially as moms, we feel this responsibility to make the holidays special for everyone else and in the process, we forget our own needs and spirit.

I truly believe that we cannot make the holidays, or any other time of the year, special for those we love, and those brought along our path, unless we’ve made the connection with ourselves first. This year I want to challenge you to make the holiday season special for yourself first.

I want to challenge you to bring your focus down to the spirit, or essence, of the season.

Take time to celebrate you, your life, and the individual way you connect with this time of year.

Traditions you love from your past, and the discovery of new ones, no matter what holiday you celebrate, or what traditions you hold dear, this time of year is special. The energy on the planet is different, take the time to recognize that and interface with it.

I know, it’s a tall order, and you'll think I'm being ridiculous, giving you just one more thing to fit in during an already busy time, but make a date with yourself. Once a week, I want you to do something special just for you. Something that speaks of the holiday, something that reminds you of your joy, something that makes you stop and remember with gratitude what a beautiful time of year this truly is. Go alone so you can absorb it all and not be worried about who needs what from you now.

One of my favorite things to do, is to take a walk in nature. Go to a park, take a hike. Next week I’m going on a group hike in Wekiva Springs an area of central Florida I haven’t had much opportunity to explore yet and I can’t wait. Being in nature reminds us of the bigger picture in life. It reminds us that there is so much we don’t know, understand, or control. Here in Florida, there’s been a chill in the air lately and I love that. I remember taking long walks in the Virginia fall, with the leaves all changing color and the scent of wood smoke in the air. It is inspiring. Wherever you live, take an afternoon and remember how beautiful and amazing this planet is.

Of course Disney World is such a special place this time of year, but wherever you live, most have someplace that goes all out with decorations and entertainment of the season, take advantage of it. Find carolers, a cookie baking contest, a seasonal skating rink, a church play or simply go to the mall, not to shop, just to be around people and decorations. Wish ten strangers the best holiday season they’ve ever had.

Here in the states, we have Thanksgiving and many make a commitment to note something they are grateful for everyday for the month of November. This can be done anywhere in the world. You don’t need a holiday to spur on gratitude. In truth, keeping a gratitude journal I still think is one of the best ways to stay healthy and balanced in body and soul.

This season, decorate one room in your house all by yourself. Do it as a gift to the rest of your family, or if you are single, do it as a gift to yourself. Make it a special afternoon. Get out all your decorations, make yourself some real hot chocolate, (I’ll add my own recipe to the end of this) put on the Christmas music and immerse yourself in the celebration of life, love and gratitude.

If this season is spiritual in nature for you, then my challenge for you is to create a new tradition just for yourself that honors your spiritual beliefs. Whether it’s helping out at a soup kitchen, sending books to our soldiers overseas, helping out at a local animal shelter, a special meditation or extended time of quiet gratitude surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of the season, find something that holds purpose for you and make it a commitment to do this every year.

Myself, I take one afternoon a week to sit out at Disneyworld in one of their elaborately decorated hotel lobbies and let the spirit of god sink deep into my soul as I watch the joy of those around me. I allow true joy to bubble up from the depths of my spirit and I remember how deeply loved and truly blessed I am.

However you celebrate, whatever your traditions, no matter your social status or income bracket, make this year the year you don’t lose sight of the peace on earth, good will towards man. Make this the year you remember your own connection to the essence that is greater than you are. Make this the year that you truly deeply manifest the joy of the spirit within yourself and outward to the people around you and have a blessed and joyful holiday season.

There is not much that compares to real hot chocolate. The key is to get good quality chocolate, the rest is relatively simple.

•  INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup whole milk 1/4 cup heavy cream 5 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped 

• INSTRUCTIONS Combine milk and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until simmering, about 4 minutes. Add chocolate and whisk until completely melted and well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.