The Christmas Season!

The season of giving is the most likely time to find sanctuary from the bustle and indifference of daily living. You may find you can make it the best holiday possible by remembering that it only happens once every year and so that makes it a time marker in your life that you can look back on as time goes by and count the happy times and the most meaningful experiences. A friend once said that we should build up a happy memory account that we can draw on when times get tough. Also remember that we may not be alive by next year and need to appreciate what we have today. That may sound morbid, but look at Haiti. Life is fragile and can be lost within minutes. Everything is grand and more colorful when we try not to take life for granted.

Growth in the art of giving can be achieved by speaking with friends and family throughout the year making a note of their preferences and particular tastes, so when the day comes you'll be right on the mark or at least pretty close to giving the best gift possible. There is nothing wrong with shopping all the year round.

Fun comes from being organized. You can enjoy yourself to the fullest when you plan ahead. Think about what you want to serve in advance and have everything you need on hand. It reduces a lot of the wear and tear accumulated from running back and forth to market. Lastly, keep warm and take care of your health. There is nothing sadder than feeling poorly during the holiday season. Stress less and celebrate more.