Happy Holidays!

It’s November and the holiday season is upon us. Many of us approach the next few months with waves of excitement, but others find these to be the most challenging of times. Some may be mourning the loss of loved ones and a first Thanksgiving with an empty chair at the dinner table. Others may be dealing with equally traumatic events, such as illness, divorce, financial insecurity, homelessness, war abroad and more.

Be mindful that one person’s joy can be equally matched by another’s pain. The barrage of holiday music and commercials depicting happy families does not always reflect what is happening in the house next door.

If you have ever had the overwhelming joy of giving someone the perfect gift, imagine how elating it would be to give someone the most meaningful gift…that of care and compassion. Do something for someone less fortunate and let that act carry you through the next few months. Even the highest functioning of us have stress during the holidays; just one act of kindness can help you through the hardest part of your holidays.

Let’s be honest, dealing with wired, sleep-deprived toddlers throwing temper tantrums combined with over-served in-laws and a frozen turkey you forgot to thaw are not the biggest problems you could be having. Take stock. Have gratitude for your family and what you are able to celebrate. And, most importantly, share your gifts.

Wishing all of our advertisers, supporters, community of readers and followers a magical holiday season

~ Leigh, Cora, Shaunescy, Eleonore & Andrea