Well, it is that time of year again where the lights go up on the houses and the trees make there way into living rooms across America. Credit cards are being stretched and the stress levels are up. I see people around me running here and there trying to get 'the list' taken care of and wondering how they are going to put up with the relatives and the credit card bills that are sure to follow. Songs of the season provide background noise that brings a surreal feel to the whole hustle and bustle whirling about. Christmas time is upon us and it seems to me that a small pause is in order.

That being said, I am going to share with you my recipe for staying sane during the holiday season and maybe, just maybe finding a way to connect with that elusive Christmas Spirit.

10 steps to finding the Christmas spirit.

1 - Hold the door open for a stranger. It sounds simple but this can really make the day for someone. It also makes you feel good inside for doing something for someone else. Oh, and say Thank You when someone holds the door open for you.
2 - Give to your local food bank. The anonymous gift of food (a can or two will do) can make all the difference in the world to the family who needs a little help.
3 - Give an anonymous child's gift to your local orphans home. A new toy (for boy or girl) dropped off / donated to your local childrens home can bring more joy and hope to this world than you could possibly believe.
4 - Call an old friend and wish them a happy holiday. Make it someone who you don't' talk to all the time. Make it a surprise and random.
5 - Read a christmas story. A cup of hot cocoa and your favorite christmas story will be sure to slow you down and get your more in touch with what you liked about Christmas as a child. Read it out loud to your own kids if you have them and give them the gift of time with you. It will be remembered long after that plastic, blinky, super toy under the tree has broken and been added to the local landfill.
6 - Watch your favorite Christmas TV special. We can all remember the tales of Frosty the Snowman or perhaps the Year Without Santa Claus (Heat Miser anyone?). See my comments about slowing down with the cup of cocoa or some egg nog I mentioned above. Note, this doesn't count as the same quality time as reading to your kids but is good for 'extra credit' if you watch it with them.
7 - Make cookies and give some away to your neighbors or friends. Making a good old batch of sugar cookies with plenty of sprinkles can be a lot of fun (especially if you add some spiked nog to the baking process). Plus, home made cookies are great gifts for those adults on your list. Forget buying that $10 random gift and go with the cookies. Everyone will find a use for the cookies and you can rest assured it won't be re-gifted at the next office party.
8 - Leave work at the office. For once this year, leave all that 'extra' work at the office and enjoy a little home time. Even if it is just you, a glass of wine and that holiday classic 'A Christmas Story' on TV. Your sanity depends on some down time. Give yourself the gift of just being you. Think balance during this crazy season and it will serve you well. I promise.
9 - Wish those around you a Merry Christmas. I know over the last few years there seems to be some kind of war against wishing people a 'Merry Christmas'. Too much political correctness if you ask me. I think that if you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas then do just that. Don't think you have to go with a generic 'Happy Holidays'. Be specific and say what you feel. Be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or what not, make your well wishing a reflection of your beliefs. And if a 'Happy Holidays' is your way then go ahead and make that wish. Bottom line with this item it to spread the joy.
10 - Take the time to think of all the good things in your life. Pick a day and set aside an hour or two to just reflect upon all the good things you have in your life. Health, job, family, friends, a good book you read or a great movie you saw. Anything and everything you can remember about the last year that brought a smile to your face or warmth to your heart. Take a moment to remember how it felt then, and let that feeling come to you again and enjoy it once more. Joy and thankfulness can be found in the strangest places sometimes and it can be as simple as a good joke or a beautiful sunset. Take the time and remember it now. See the sights, hear the sounds and feel the feelings again. Take as much time as you need to get that feeling back now, and then take that with you through the rest of the year.

I hope this helps bring a little sanity and joy into your life this season and even if you just try a couple of the above suggestions, I promise that it will go a long way in bringing the Christmas spirit home.

So have a Merry Christmas and make sure to spread the word.


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Jason Elrod