Among all the holiday distractions, it is a challenge to stay focused on the true reason for the celebration.  As I move through the season I make an effort to find ways to capture the meaning while experiencing the fun and avoiding the frustration.

My favorite way to celebrate the season is by sharing love.  I find that it is often unexpected and very much appreciated. 

Spreading love and joy to others is something that I like to do all year, but Christmas seems to open the door for more opportunities to be a bright light to others. 

Some of us are excited to attend family/friend gatherings and others struggle just thinking about the anxiety associated with holiday get-togethers.  I keep that in mind when mingling with various people at different events. 

Celebrating the reason for the season can be as simple as sharing a smile with someone who might not know many people at the event.  Being acknowledged immediately reduces the feeling of being invisible.     

As I interact with people at events I like to look around to see if anyone would like to be included in the conversation.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our conversations we don’t see that others would like to join the group.  That type of encouragement is a great way to spread love and celebrate the reason for the season.   

When your mindset is one of love, it is easy to show kindness. Love puts things into perspective and allows one to enter various challenging situations with compassion.  We don’t know what is going on in other people’s lives.   Tense moments at the shopping center, impatient drivers, and stressed people become much easier to tolerate when we face situations with compassion. 

For many, the holiday season is a time for joy and hope, but it is also a time when many people struggle.  When I am struggling I remind myself of the hymn, What A Friend We Have In Jesus.  As I reach out in prayer I find peace and no longer feel alone.   

I wish you a season of celebrating the reason!  I hope you find joy in spreading love to others.  In moments of emptiness, I reach out to Jesus and I know that I am never alone.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

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