Traditions and the annual holiday habits we have are good, but sometimes you need to use your brain to figure out why you’re doing what you do, and ask yourself if it still works.
For example, I usually do a blog about being sensitive toward those who are grieving during the holiday season during the first week of December. I do it because I’ve suffered two losses during the first week of December, so it’s very much on my mind. The problem is, I don’t believe it resonates with readers, and I don’t think it’s good for me to revisit those losses in such a public manner every year. So this year, I won’t. I encourage those of you who are having a good holiday season to be sensitive to those around you, and to provide a “safe space” for others who are struggling. Pray for them, listen to them if they need for you to, and back off. It’s never right or helpful to demand that people be happy around you, or get out of your face. Heck, if you live long enough (and I hope you do), then some holidays will be a bust. That’s life. That’s all I’ll say about that.
I also usually do a blog about being careful on the roads, but that’s another tradition I’m breaking. You already know that South Carolina drivers are the worst in the nation. You already know our road system is half a century out of date, and they continue to develop out of control with no regard for our insufficient infrastructure. You already know you sit in horrible traffic every day. I’ll simply say be aware of your surroundings. Be careful, be aware, be alert, and plan accordingly. That’s all I’ll say about that.
Instead, I’ll replace those traditions with an encouragement to explore your own habits and traditions, and perhaps even try something new. The holiday season is so full of potential and activities that it’s impossible to do everything in any given year. Maybe it’s time to skip a holiday party you dread and go see The Nutcracker instead (I saw it this past weekend, and loved it). Maybe you need to throw out those old stockings from 20 years ago and get something that more appropriately expresses who you are today. Maybe you should bake breakfast casseroles or muffins instead of sugar cookies (I know the annual second Saturday of December “I’m going to stay home and bake cookies all day” is coming up). Maybe you need to rearrange your Christmas decorations in the house, and replace some old items with something new. Maybe you need to support a different charity, or try a new volunteer opportunity this month. Shake it up a bit. Think about who you are and where life is now and what expresses that appropriately.
I’m not suggesting an overhaul; just some small changes. Sometimes, those small things make the biggest difference.
The important thing is to be who you are, and make sure your holiday celebrations reflect it.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great rest of the week.
Bye!
For example, I usually do a blog about being sensitive toward those who are grieving during the holiday season during the first week of December. I do it because I’ve suffered two losses during the first week of December, so it’s very much on my mind. The problem is, I don’t believe it resonates with readers, and I don’t think it’s good for me to revisit those losses in such a public manner every year. So this year, I won’t. I encourage those of you who are having a good holiday season to be sensitive to those around you, and to provide a “safe space” for others who are struggling. Pray for them, listen to them if they need for you to, and back off. It’s never right or helpful to demand that people be happy around you, or get out of your face. Heck, if you live long enough (and I hope you do), then some holidays will be a bust. That’s life. That’s all I’ll say about that.
I also usually do a blog about being careful on the roads, but that’s another tradition I’m breaking. You already know that South Carolina drivers are the worst in the nation. You already know our road system is half a century out of date, and they continue to develop out of control with no regard for our insufficient infrastructure. You already know you sit in horrible traffic every day. I’ll simply say be aware of your surroundings. Be careful, be aware, be alert, and plan accordingly. That’s all I’ll say about that.
Instead, I’ll replace those traditions with an encouragement to explore your own habits and traditions, and perhaps even try something new. The holiday season is so full of potential and activities that it’s impossible to do everything in any given year. Maybe it’s time to skip a holiday party you dread and go see The Nutcracker instead (I saw it this past weekend, and loved it). Maybe you need to throw out those old stockings from 20 years ago and get something that more appropriately expresses who you are today. Maybe you should bake breakfast casseroles or muffins instead of sugar cookies (I know the annual second Saturday of December “I’m going to stay home and bake cookies all day” is coming up). Maybe you need to rearrange your Christmas decorations in the house, and replace some old items with something new. Maybe you need to support a different charity, or try a new volunteer opportunity this month. Shake it up a bit. Think about who you are and where life is now and what expresses that appropriately.
I’m not suggesting an overhaul; just some small changes. Sometimes, those small things make the biggest difference.
The important thing is to be who you are, and make sure your holiday celebrations reflect it.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great rest of the week.
Bye!
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