DECEMBER MONTHLY MUSINGS To muse: To wonder and marvel; to become absorbed in mindful meditation provoking thoughtful inspiration to unlock doors, walk through them with ease, experience the world of possibilities, and create positive life changes. Something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation; the act, right, or power of giving; to present or give. The ABC's of Christmas A is for Angels B is for Bells C is for Candles D is for garlened Doorway E is for Evergreens F is for Fun G is for Greetings H is for a merry "hello" I is for Ice J is for Jesus K is for Kris Kringle L is for Lanterns M is for Mary N is for Noel O is for Ornaments P is for Packages Q is for Quiet R is for Reindeer S is for Shepherds T is for Christmas Trees U is for Universe V is for Visiting W is for Wise Men X is for X-mas or Christmas by full name Y is for Yule Logs Z is for the Zeal in giving to others Here's the deal... Don't get caught up in "Holiday Overwhelm." Keep things simple and create the time and space you need to embrace and enjoy the season and create your own holiday traditions. Some ideas to help you simplify: Send Happy New Year cards after the holidays instead of sending Christmas cards. Got Christmas cookies? Find a handful of other bakers and do a cookie exchange. Hosting Christmas dinner? Provide the main course and beverages and ask each family attending to bring an entrée. Too many people to buy for? Draw names for gift exchange. **Remember what really matters. Christmas is about the gift of life. It's about connecting, celebrating, relaxing, and creating memories with your loved ones.** By the way... Here are some internet resources to brighten your holidays: Ladies Home Journal Managing holiday stress Gift giving strategies Travel tips Better Homes and Gardens Gift giving tips Organizing and storage Decorating tips Easy party planning Family Fun Ways to overcome holiday pressure by simplifying gift giving and creating fun, easy family traditions. Holiday Survival Kit Book resources for holiday inspiration: A Gift of Miracles by Jamie Miller, Jennifer B. Sander, Rusty Fiscker. The Giving Heart: Unlocking the Transformative Power of Generosity in Your Life by M.J. Ryan and Sylvia Boorstein. Gift Giving By the Stars - The Easy Way to Find the Perfect Gift by Deborah Dillard. The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas by Sandra Graham Case. Family Fun Homemade Holidays by Deanna F. Cook. Simplify Your Christmas: 100 Ways to Reduce the Stress And Recapture the Joy of the Holidays by Elaine St. James.                   Did you know... In Germany on Christmas Eve night, many families light candles and walk the streets and countryside singing as they head out into a wooded area to cut down their trees. Upon returning home, they spend their evenings celebrating as they decorate their Christmas trees. Gift Yourself With a Holiday Me Time Moment enjoy the silent moments sit and watch your Christmas tree lights sparkle drink a cup of eggnog by yourself involve your children in holiday preparations buy yourself something you've been yearning for call a friend who lives far away and reconnect keep everything simple, simple, simple dip a Christmas cookie into a big, cold glass of milk as you watch your favorite Christmas movie take a walk outside in the falling snow be true to yourself and create your own Christmas traditions gift someone you love with your time notice the wonder in young childrens' eyes be present in the moment On a Wing and a Prayer "Silent night. Holy night. All is calm. All is bright...Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace." Home Page | About the Coach | Services | Fees | Monthly Musings Clean Sweep Program | Testimonials | About Coaching | Workshops More Links: Contact me Musing Archive