By Karen McMahon
Holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, show our love through mingling, sharing and giving; be joyful, peaceful and reflective.
Yet many often feel the stress of time and money overtake the joy and celebration of the season. The rush of the holidays begins before the Thanksgiving meal is digested. Schedules become more hectic; money begins to flow out at rapid fire speed; worry about doing enough, having enough, smiling and laughing enough can be overwhelming.
It is easy amidst the ‘hallmark holiday’ of our commercial society, to lose the true purpose of this wonderful time of year. Especially Christmas, which has all but been taken over by commercial lust for profits, loses its true meaning. The truth is, Christmas is not about gifts under the tree, how many parties you attend or the amount of money you spend.
The most valuable gift you can give to those you love is a happy, healthy you. Your loved ones will not remember the presents of this year nor the outfit you wore, the party you attended nor the meal you cooked. They will however remember the time you spent with them and how present and available you were. Most children, while they may have a long list for Santa, often are starved for their parent’s time and attention. Their memories will not be of the latest Xbox game or electronic gadget but rather of how they felt when they were given your time, attention and love.
As you begin to plan this holiday season, look at your schedule with new eyes. What can you take off your commitment calendar and how can you replace it with that which is more about ‘being’ with your loved ones than ‘doing’ for them? How can you ‘spend’ not your money but ‘invest’ your time in a more valuable way?
If you think your family doesn’t care about such things, ask them…”if I could give you the gift of my time and undivided attention this holiday season in a way that served your needs and desires, what would that look like for you?” How can I honor our relationship this holiday season? You may be surprised at the response.
Wishing everyone a blessed holiday season filled with love and rich relationships; with memories filled with special meaning and a depth of appreciation for those in your life.
Chief Visionary: Karen McMahon
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