A Time of Cheer

I've always had a love/hate relationship with this holiday season.

I love the fundamental spirit of Christmas.  The kindness, the generosity, the spiritual fulfillment that comes from the welcoming of our Savior. If you aren't Christian, many cultures have adopted the traditions of acts of kindness and charity during this season.  Overall there is a general out pouring of positive energy that can truly bring you closer to God and make you a happier person.  I try to keep that feeling with me all year round.

What drives me insane is that I get overwhelmed by the traditions of others.  You see, I'm single in a large family with tons of fabulous nieces and nephews.  Due to circumstances, I share a house with an aging parent who doesn't acknowledge that I don't need the family chaos.  Don't get me wrong. I love my family. I love to see them over the holidays. But I don't need to spend every moment making memories with them. My personal traditions are much simpler.  Very minimalist if you will.

I treasure my quiet time.  I work full time.  I'm surrounded by people all day.  One of the greatest gifts I can receive is the gift of alone time.  To certain family members, I appear Scroogish in my needs.

As I navigate the turbulent waters of this cheerful season, I will stay true to my course.  I will honor my faith, my family and myself.

Tis the Season...

So the Holiday season has descended with full force and gusto.  People are humming the incessant Holiday jingles that pervade every public outlet in the land.

I'll be honest, I like a quiet holiday season.  When I want the holiday music, I'll listen to it.  When I want to listen to it.  Please don't think me a Scrooge.  My holiday shopping is done. I have a few gifts to finishing sewing, then stuff in the mail.  We are getting the house decorated.  But, I'm low key.

One of the things I started last year, before I received my Lupus diagnosis, was to say 'no' to events that I didn't want to go to.  Yes, this is a very social season, but when you are dealing with exhaustion non-stop socializing is like having a broken alternator in your car.  The battery gets drained and never recharges.

With the changes I've implemented in my diet, exercise and medication, I'm feeling a lot better.  That being said, I know that I still can't overextend myself.  My alternator is still faulty and needs to be replaced.  I just need to be aware of my limitations.

This season is a reminder to be Grateful, Compassionate and Hopeful.  These are the attributes that will get me through the times when I'm not feeling the best.

As I face this holiday season, I promise to embrace the spirit of the season now and through out the coming year.  To give thanks for my blessings, share Goodwill with all and share of myself.