Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,

- not even a mouse:
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there....

  ~Clement Clarke Moore

The Christmas Season offers opportunity for creating wonderful memories and for recalling the past.  For some folks, the holidays have grown too expensive for their declining budgets or family has moved too far away not allowing loved ones to gather.  There are many reasons as to why this glorious season causes many of us emotional, physical and spiritual pain.  

As we rush around in preparation for home entertainment or for travel, we do not get enough sleep and eat many more unhealthy food items resulting in a run down feeling.  When we are tired, we are much more likely to become irritable or depressed. 

Balance must be brought into the equation.  Make sure that you are restoring your body, mind, and soul by making good choices:

Physically:  Park a little farther from the store so you can stretch your legs and breathe in fresh air.  Decide what you are going to eat prior to arriving at the restaurant.  Don't look at the menu, just order a healthy meal as chefs are very obliging.  Share your dessert.

Mentally:  Do not over personalize.  If some one is rude to you, wonder to yourself, "I wonder why they are having such a bad day.  I'll be a little nicer to them!"  By extending kindness to some one appearing to be stressed out, usually changes their persona immediately.  It's not about you! 

Spiritually:  Even when we minimize materialism during the Christmas Season, we often become distracted by holiday parties, programs, and commitments.   Every morning, quietly ask your self, "Where is my heart this Christmas Season?"  Be mindful all day long if we are role modeling our spiritual beliefs.  Throughout the day, listen for the magic that circulates in and out of our lives.  Magic is everywhere when we are willing to see Divine Spirit in every heart, in every living thing, and in every breath we take.

May we all find balance in our lives to fully experience all that is holy through giving and receiving to others, to ourselves, and to Spirit.