Tis the Season . . . Indeed!

I'm all excited about Christmas!  I love the story of the baby Jesus, the wise men and the nativity.  I love getting gifts for my family and friends and having parties to go to and special events to attend!  And, I enjoy wishing my non-Christian friends a greeting that exudes love and joy no matter what they celebrate -- or don't celebrate.

However, we all know exactly when these events are going to happen.  Every year.  The dates don't change.  So why . . . why . . .  do we rush around, fuss about prices, get aggravated at other shoppers, speed like race car drivers up and down the streets (and then complain about our gas mileage), just to 'ring in the Christmas spirit'?

You're not going to ring in anything if you're blood pressure is high, your nails are bitten down to the skin, your credit card is maxed out, you've gotten a speeding ticket and your family is running in various directions!

The best gift you can give (besides a subscription to Little Theatre of Manchester's 2013 season - shameless plug) is time – eating around the table together, conversation, doing a good deed, taking a walk with a friend, playing a game with a little one, listening to holiday music, hugging a senior, holding your loved ones hand, taking time to breathe in the holiday spirit and let it pour back out of you in a way that gives you a real gift -- time.

So.  My advice.  Take a deep breath.  Make a list of simple things to do.  Maybe one a day.  Check them off.  You have 15 days until Christmas.  For my Jewish friends, I apologize, I wrote this too late for you, but there's next year. 

Tonight . . . I finish my Christmas cards.  Whatever you do to make the season glow for you, I wish you love, peace, joy . . . and time.