If only we had the opportunity to obtain a little balance at this time. I must admit, I hardly look forward to it anymore with all of the commercial pressure to give more more more. The deep of winter invites me to deeply reflect on how I spent my time, my energy and my heart over the previous year, and where I might re-focus for the next. Wish I could disappear into the mountains alone to do this. I really need it for my own balance.

Lovely my Cynthia!!!

This is very beautiful and filled with so much insight and truth, Cynthia.  You've really summed up the things that matter most and the meaning behind our symbols in the purest and most heartfelt way.

thank you

Jo 

Cynthia -you are so right. With many holidays taking on a commercial dimension it's easy to forget or overlook the real meaning behind the hustle and bustle, the gifts and the food. You are bringing back the points of real importance.

Cynthia-This is beautiful.  The true meaning of Christmas and what each item represents, I love that.  My fondest memory of Christmas since I have had children, is the year my hubby was laid off.  We were completely focused on Christ and the true meanings of Christmas.  Nothing interfered with that thought.  We were forced put ourselves in that mindset and since then, each Christmas has a stronger meaning.  I believe we go through various trials for a reason and that trial taught us a lot. 

You are right is comes from the heart! I have to add that it is all about love and family! have a Merry Christmas!

What a wonderful Post, Cynthia.  It brings us back to what is truly important in our lives. 

Cynthia, thanks for entering the Holiday Balance contest.  Since I'm one of the judges, I will reserve my more detailed comments until the judging has been completed.

Cynthia - You make some great points. So many miss the meaning behind the holidays. It is just me or does the term xmas drive you nuts?

Cynthia-I like your list of what we have to be thankful for......sometimes people forget that it isn't about "Keeping up with the Jones" and that new 5th Wheel, Wave-runner, or whatever Toy that is important....

You said it so well: "Our hearts will guide us as to what we need to do to have the balance we need to manage our families, work, time and friends--our lives will have balance. "  :) :)

Hello Jennifer B.
The pressure comes from all directions and it is very difficult not to get caught up.  Some solitude time in the mountains (tropical island, works better for me!) would be great!

Hi Jo,
I think we must focus on what is important and make sure our children and grandchildren see and understand what the holidays are truly about.  They are bombarded from all sides with the commercialism of the holidays, it is up to us to counteract that.

Hello Faina,
That certainly is my intent.  The messages our children and grandchildren get from tv are so "money oriented".

Julie,
I agree that during difficult times we grow, mature and build character.  We, as parents, hate to see our children hurt or having a struggle but we must remember that these trying times are important for them too.  Thank you for your kind comments, my friend.

Hello Charles,
Yes, I do agree love and family is what the holidays are all about and time together is the greatest gift we can give each other.  

Hi Barbara,
Thank you for stopping in and commenting.  I am really tired of the commercial holidays with all the emphasis on spending money.

Hello Brian,
Thanks for taking the time to drop by.  I think by writing the post and putting my ideas and thoughts in writing reinforced them for me. 

Tom,
Xmas just drives me totally bananas.  To me it is like deleting Christ from Christmas, how can we do that?  Very sad, indeed.

Hello Kathy,
I know that you "get it".  Your posts and comments are a reflection of your beliefs, attitude and gratitude.  I always appreciate your comments and insight.

Cynthis, What a beautiful way to think of Giving Thanks, even for the difficult times we face.  Many blessings are truly disguised.  (And I never knew what a candy cane stood for :)  Beautiful post, thank you.

Cynthia,

Thanks for the post. I often get so involved with work and everyday life that I often forget about the importantance of the holidays.... Giving thanks is so important, and esp. reminding are children of what the true holidays really mean......

Beautiful reminders Cynthia...we can never be reminded of the True Spirit too often!

Cynthia - I love the true meaning reminders you listed in this very thoughtful post.  I am always grateful for family,love and health of loved ones, but must for forget the things you reminded us of.  Thank you.

Hi Carole,
It is true that many times we do not recognize things that happen as a blessing but they truly are.  Thank you for your kind words.  I really appreciate you, friend.

Hello Aili & Rhonda,
We must take the time to instill the importance and meaning of the holidays.  Where else will they get the information?  Not from tv for sure.

Thank you Joan,
I agree with you 100% and I appreciate you visiting and commenting.

Hi Candy,
It is easy to be thankful for good things, the difficulty comes in being thankful for those things which we think are not good.  Who are we to judge?  Those difficulties are very often blessings in disguise.  How does that saying go?  Be careful what you wish for, you may get it.  That is true, isn't it?

Nice work.  Good points to remember.

Hi Georgina,
We can all use reminders for sure.  Thanks for stopping by with your comments.

Cynthia,
I agree if your heart is grateful, the balance will come.  

Cynthia, what a great entry to the contest. I was so intimidated to enter because of all the wonderful posts I'd read. Yours is wonderful!

I agree with you and Tom...I hate xmas! When I used to buy real trees for Christmas I wouldn't buy from lots that used that on their sign and I usually stopped and told them why. It just made me feel better...it didn't make them change! LOL

Hello Jeanette,
It really is simple, isn't it?  Sometimes the most simple things are the most difficult.  

Hi Linda,
I hope you put the intimidation behind and entered anyway, did you?  I know that my writing does not measure up to some here on AR and never will but I continue to plug away.  

Good for you!  Letting the vendors know why you didn't buy their trees--it probably made more of an impact than you realized.  We have to stand up for our convictions.   

Cynthia, thanks again for your support of the Holiday Balance contest.  Your inspiring message is sure to help others achieve balance and understanding during the upcoming season.

Hi Brian,
It was a great contest with excellent entries which I really enjoyed reading.  Thanks for all the work and time you put into it.