Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Calm During the Holidays


"May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, and  May nothing but happiness come through your door"  (author unknown)

Well, It is that time of year--where we pull our hair out with so much to do-- working, shopping, cooking, decorating, wrapping, entertaining and always feeling tired--ah, we forgot "resting".

It is difficult this time of year to feel calm and collected, particularly with all that has happened in 2012 with incomprehensible tragedies, shootings, natural disasters and worry for our future generations. Life must go on, so here are a few ideas that hopefully will be helpful.

* Make home-made gifts—they are usually treasured more than store-bought items.

*Plan a special Christmas Craft that you can do with your children or neighbor children.* If you must shop, do it early in the morning or late at night if you have stores that stay open late or all night. (Less people, less lines at check-out)
* Find a charity and make it a family event to take presents, clothes or whatever the charity needs. Take it TO the charity. It is a great teaching tool for children and putstheir life and "needs" instead of "wants" into perspective.* Make Christmas cookies while listening to Christmas music.

* Make lovely calendars using this past years photos--makes great memories!
* Take some Christmas cookies to the neighbors.
* Find some Hallmark Christmas CD's, such as “The Dog Named Christmas” or watch Christmas TV Specials, as a family.
* And most importantly remember the reason for Christmas or Hanukkah. It is to be a peaceful time, not hectic.
* Discuss the importance of caring for and sharing with others during this season.
* Take some time for quiet without TV or cell phones to be together as a family.
* Make Home-made decorations.

* DON'T forget those with December Birthdays!

AND for those of us in business--we must be courteous to our customers, despite our state of mind.
Have a Healthy, Happy, Calm Holiday Season!

Marty Miller, Entreprenuer, Business Advisor, Writer    www.homeandhealthtips.com/