December 2012

I think this is the first holiday column I ever wrote. The sentiments are still very timely. Happy holidays, everyone!

Well, here we are again; the holidays are upon us. We are all getting caught up in mistletoe and dreidels, gift giving and receiving, getting family pictures taken, decorating, wrapping, cooking, etc., etc., etc. Are you getting tense just reading this? We often, especially in this culture, get so involved in all the stuff that we are “suppose to” be doing in this season, that we forget what makes the holidays special.

So, stop, and ask yourself, “What makes this season special to me?” For some people, it is the big mound of cookies, for others it is the decorations, for others it might even be a time of religious significance. But what is it for you? When you narrow down what, exactly, you like about the holidays, then start to ask the other significant people in your life what makes the holidays special to them. Ask your children, too. While I am sure that presents are an important part, they may surprise you. They may say how special it is popping popcorn and stringing it on the tree together, or making latkes as a family. Because, oftentimes, the most important part of the holiday is spending time with the special people in your life.

Be sure that you create opportunities to spend time with the people you love. It might be creating a handmade gift together, or distributing food to the homeless, or making cookies to give to the firefighters. Or maybe just curled up watching “Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer” or “Rugrats’ Chanukah” together. The point is that you are together.

In all the busyness of the season do not forget what is important. Have a happy holiday season!