How can anyone write about 'holiday balance' without reference to 'family'!
Family is at the core of everything we do!
The word 'holiday' is a derivation of 'Holy Day', and for purposes of this post, holiday is defined by Webster as a 'period of relaxation'! So how do we balance relaxation, family, and work?
One of the fantasies of my life was to learn how to juggle...I've never mastered the art...yes I have tried desperately to acquire this talent, but to no avail...I just simply cannot juggle!!!
Over the years I have learned that if I plan things too carefully that more often than not I will be disappointed...something always seems to come up to spoil the best of plans...So I have learned to plan cautiously, leaving much 'wiggle room' for spontaneity!
As someone trained in procedures, regimens, methods, rules, regulations, compliance, and detail, 'spontaneity' can cause much trepidation...however I've found that if I truly embrace and invite 'spontaneity', it can be the source of a great amount of pleasure, adventure, and excitement!
Now with 5 kids between the ages of 4 and 13, believe me there can be some real adventure and excitement, particularly around the holidays! The trick is to create an environment that allows for family fun, adventure and spontaneity in a spirit of safety and respect.
I endeavor to create this 'safe harbor' by emphasizing relationships over monetary considerations...people are more important than things...and encouraging each family member to engage in dialog or activities which foster interaction between themselves and the world around them...to BE themselves and let others SEE them as they are...and in that process to remain open to spontaneity, adventure, and 'holiday excitement'! This usually results in a holiday filled with 'neat', memorable, and festive activities which produce fulfilling holidays...and truly make them 'Holy Days'!!!
I recall the words of a beautiful hymn written by Gary Ault over 30 years ago:
All that we have and all that we offer,
Come from a heart both frightened and free.
Take what we bring now, and give what we need,
All done in His Name!
This particular holiday season will be one of learning how to sacrifice...to see our siblings and other family member's needs as more important than our own...to learn that it is truly more enjoyable to give than to receive...to take the 'smaller' piece of pie with gratitude and leave the 'larger' piece for another...to accept the challenge that 'people' ARE more important than 'things'!
Perhaps I am learning how to juggle after all!!!
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Fran, thanks for entering the Holiday Balance contest. You're the first guy to post an entry -- all the rest are from the women of Active Rain so far. Thanks for stepping up to the plate. As a judge, I'll reserve my more substantive comments until after the ballots are counted.