Fill in the blank. It’s the most…

• Busy
• Stressful
• Cheery
• Expensive
• Happy
• Complicated
• Family-oriented
• Enjoyable
• Melancholy
• Frustrating
• Lonely
• Celebratory
• Wonderful?

… time of the year.

If you’re like me, you could check any one of these on different days between now and Christmas. Whether you work full-time or part-time outside of the home, or are a full-time wife-mom-homemaker, this holiday season is challenging in many ways. But the payoff makes it all worthwhile. Doesn’t it?

Holidays – especially Christmas – dredge up emotions and memories of Christmases past. We may not all be living Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” life, but we have all had our ups and downs.

On the down side, we remember loved ones who are no longer with us. And holiday fiascos of the past… The drunken uncle who made a pass at you. The fabulous feast where every single dish was ruined. The generous gifts that almost gave you a heart attack in January when the bills came in. The screaming fight between your parents and your brother. Horribly wrong gifts, given or received. Your husband disappearing and tried to commit suicide while you waited at home going mad with fear. Being snow in… or snowed out.

Everyone has at least ONE holiday horror story. Feel free to reminisce about it or them now (pause)

But… let’s not stay there. Let’s look at some happy memories of Christmases past. Singing Christmas carols in harmony with your sister as you cleaned the house from top to bottom, then decorated the real pine tree. That one special dish that is only served at Christmas – which you waited all year to savour and enjoy. Trying a new Christmas recipe that actually worked out and made the best cookies ever! That warm peaceful feeling – a full stomach, twinkling lights on the tree, relaxing with family and friends, with carols playing in the background or a favourite Christmas movie on TV.

Folks, let’s decide right now. Whether this Christmas ends up on the “worst of” or “best of” list, we are going to enjoy the preparations. Yes, the shopping, the cleaning, the cooking; the family dinners. And we will make a point – every day – of finding at least ONE thing we can celebrate, be grateful for, and recognize as one of the many blessings we enjoy.

Make a list if it helps…

        Family – crazy but loving

        Living in a free country

        Having everything you need even if you don’t have everything you want

        A job that enables you to live and give

        Good health – physical and emotional

        Faith – Jesus IS the reason for the season

        Friends – people who love you because they want to, not because they have to

        Time off work – to relax and have fun

        Gifts – you’re bound to give AND get one that will be perfect!

        The Internet – great way to shop from home

        SALES –  before and after Christmas

        Love – giving and receiving

Remember, a good laugh or a cute cartoon can be nice holiday pick-me-ups. Here are a couple to get you started. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LZpBjnOMYY  and  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AM4qwXd2ZQ&feature=related

MERRY CHRISTMAS! God bless us all, every one.