All
It’s that time of year again. Ho-ho-ho and
mistletoe! We’re supposed to be merry. But
– with baking and cleaning and wrapping and
decorating and shopping and socializing to do
– who among us doesn’t have a day (or more)
when we think Ebenezer Scrooge just might
have been right in the first place?
It doesn’t have to be this way. During the holiday season, more than at any other time, less
really can be more. So pour yourself a cup of
tea – or maybe a glass of wine – and consider
our five tips for a kinder and gentler holiday
season.
1. Remember why we do this. Whether we
celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa,
or another winter celebration, we do so
to remember that miracles happen. That
even on the darkest nights of the year, we
can light a candle and share the light. The
rituals that we observe are meant to en50
hance this celebration, not eclipse it. So
whenever you feel your chest tighten with
anxiety, breathe through it and remember
what really matters.
2. Get everyone in the family involved in
the celebration. Even very young children
can be included in spreading holiday cheer.
Thanksgiving, with its focus on the abundance we enjoy, is a wonderful springboard
to the holiday season. Keep that sense of
wonder going! Go through closets and donate items you haven’t used during the year
and other items you don’t need. Have the
children go through their toys and books
to choose items to give away to others who
are less fortunate.
3. Give in ways that matter. Make other
kinds of charitable giving a family affair,
too. For older children, choose an affordable sum of money and tell each child that