It begins today – All Hallows Eve, better known as Halloween. Then like a giant boulder, events and holidays roll toward us faster and faster. The stores skip my favorite holiday, except for the grocery store which will broadcast –order your turkey now as if they are going to run out on Wednesday. But the others stores demand that we “beat the rush.” We are overwhelmed before Advent arrives, and by Christmas day we’re worn out. In my family some pretty significant birthdays occur as well including my sister, Suzy, Rebecca, Walter, Allen, and the philosophers turn twelve. A cultural tidal wave each year reaches Tsunami proportions.
Holiday events, office parties, and neighborhood get-togethers take over our calendar. Here’s a suggestion while you’re waiting for the first wave of trick-or-treaters to arrive take your calendar and mark of a few days to do something for yourself. Maybe it’s make a batch of cookies that you remember your grandmother made, but you don’t ever have time to do for your own children. Take a bottle of wine over to an old friend’s house, who you never have time for during Christmas, and sit in front of a fire and talk, or simply do nothing. Mark days. where when the invitation comes or you feel the need to shop because of a sale, you can say no. I’m booked. Most importantly take some time to remember those whose special days always get lost in the madness. Suzy always reminds me that she used to get Christmas presents which read Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday from her aunts and uncles. Even though her birthday was four days after Christmas.
I love Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, I’m not suggesting you become a “Scrooge.” Instead give yourself and the one’s you love the attention you and they deserve. Before the tidal wave or tumbling boulder arrives, stock up some time for yourself and your loved ones.
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