Christmas Behavior

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish.  Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.  ~Francis C. Farley

Our family are the people encouraging us to be fully our selves.  They are the ones who love us unconditionally and treat us with compassion.  We are blessed if these folks are our family of origin, but frequently they are not.  If we are not honored by blood relatives, then we tend to discover others who bring true value into our lives.  It is vitally important to honor the lives of all people, but not at the cost of our selves. 

Compromising our selves in order to fit in with our original families or critical others does serious harm both physically and spiritually.  Give blessings to all people and stand for personal truth allowing others to do the same. 

Integrity can be maintained by extending love to all peoples ... whatever that means to you.  It might mean a phone call extending genuine blessings rather than a visit.  We can abbreviate our visit to build peace even if momentarily.  Altering tradition by volunteering at a shelter or adopting a family can bring greater spiritual meaning into all lives concerned rather than an emotional family free for all.  

It is an illusion if we feel we have no choice.  If we secure in our minds what we want, arrange our holidays accordingly, and give permission for others to do the same, we will find freedom and joy filling our days. Focus on realistic expectations that will allow the holidays to be filled with peace, love, and creative personal expression.