It's that time of year.
Thanksgiving is over, the turkey is gone and we immediately launch into our Christmas Sprint.
We put on our most comfortable shoes, dig out our to do list and run! We race around on our errands.
We dash through our chores.
And we push through fatigue and stress to be sure to complete all the items on our to do list.
But Christmas isn't a sprint to the finish line.
It is called a season because it isn't all about one day.
The greatest joy comes in taking time to prepare for Christmas day in a way that makes things better.
This is your chance to spend time with those you love, put thought and love into buying and giving presents, spreading joy and happiness.
Don't get me wrong, I realize this time of year is certainly busy.
The question is: Is it meaningful, or is it just busy? Are you spending time creating memories and spreading joy, or are you doing a bunch of stuff because you just think it has to be done? Are you living the meaning of Christmas or racing to the finish line so that on Christmas day you can lie around, totally exhausted and spent, wondering why you do all this? No longer do the holidays have to be so draining.
With this simple tip, you can transform the way you handle this time of year forever.
Take a moment, and take a deep breath.
Look at your expectations and your to do list.
What do you see there? Is it filled with things you love or is it filled with obligations.
Now decide and choose the things that really matter, the things that make a difference, and focus on those.
Choose to fill your holiday with the activities and people that fill you up and help you celebrate your life.
See what happens as you do this, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
I wish you a joy filled holiday season, and a very merry Christmas day.