It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or, Bah Humbug.

I was walking Sunny through the neighborhood looking at all the Holiday decorations thinking, “wow it’s so beautiful out, and the houses look so warm and inviting.” I wonder if that’s the feeling inside the house? Of course the kids are excited; no school, holiday decorating, presents, friends, and family gatherings. For adults though, this can be such a stressful time of year.

The magic of the holiday season tends to go fast with what seems like a lot of expectations. Advertisers start bombarding us with the hot toys and gadgets of the season right after Halloween. We hop from trick or treat to “here’s my Christmas list.” 

This got me thinking about such classic stories like “Scrooge” and “The Gift of the Magi” and which story feels like my last year.

There is always so much to be grateful for, this I know. But I gotta be honest: there are times when I am not feeling it. So…I thought I’d be much more reflective on this last year and really tap into HOW AM I FEELING at my deepest core. It’s been an interesting year with lots of opportunity, joy, tears (lots and lots of tears), new friendships, changes to old friendships and GROWTH. Thank God/Goddess for growth. It helps me make sense of my world. It seems like it’s always about HOW DO I BRING MY BEST SELF OUT INTO THE WORLD, be the best Mom, best friend, best co-worker? The list goes on and on. The one I neglect to look at first and foremost is how can I be the best to ME?

Looking at “me” - does that make me selfish? Does that make me self-centered? Does it mean my ego is out of control? You know what? IT DOES NOT! It actually helps me be better in all areas of my life, and to everyone I come in contact with. I will admit it has taken me a while to get comfortable putting myself first. It’s a strange concept because my life has always been about others. It also feels so freeing, and that’s a beautiful feeling. It’s liberating to know what truly feels right in my heart, say what I really feel (with love and discernment) and know I am honoring me. How can I be most authentic in my everyday life? Knowing some might be disappointed or angry with my decisions. So long as I stand in my most raw, vulnerable truth - it will be ok for me. I can better help others from this place.

Like Ebenezer, who all he needed to do was live from his heart, that’s the best I can do. Which is in turn the best gift I can give to myself and everyone else. It’s also the best gift I can receive from others.

So I guess both stories resonate with me. With 2 weeks until Christmas, I have much to be truly grateful for. The love of family and friends is my greatest blessing. I choose to see the magic in all things, the twinkling lights, Christmas trees waiting to be decorated, the bag of cinnamon pinecones and the glorious scent they give, the oohs and aahs of children seeing Santa, and the festive glow of this season. 

I invite you to have a look back on this year. The good, the bad, and the ugly. What little changes or shifts can be made to help the season be a little more delightful? Where’s the magic in your world? And finally, the magic and miracles of life can be seen and felt everyday, because they are there. We just need to pay attention!

Wishing you a peaceful, joyous, and delicious holiday season!