I have enjoyed and celebrated Christmas in many ways. Many have been old-fashioned and traditional. Other have been unconventional and a little outrageous but still provided a memory that I hold dear even today. 

My mother loved all holidays. Holidays for her were all about family, cooking, eating, and enjoying time together. Her birthday was the day before Independence Day, and she held many family dinners during Thanksgiving and Christmas. She enjoyed cooking a multitude of treats for family and friends, which included cakes, candy, cookies, and spend hours in the kitchen preparing turkey, ham, and other mouthwatering dishes for everyone to enjoy. My mom also enjoyed giving gifts. She would spend months picking out items and often would pay for them on lay-a-way plan until she could bring them home and hide them. I think she enjoyed it more than anyone else. 

I look back on these memories and wonder how she did it all, working a full-time job, raising her children, and being involved with her church and friends. Somehow, she managed it all and on Christmas morning there would be hot chocolate with homemade cinnamon rolls. She put the “believe” and “miracle” in the holiday spirit. 

I have spent the Christmas holiday in Saudi Arabia where we had an opportunity to buy a small sickly looking evergreen tree for an enormous price and decorated it with an assortment of made up, do-it-yourself ornaments. I also spend Christmas in Bahrain sightseeing and celebrating with the naval fleet that was in port. A wild and crazy party! 

I have celebrated Christmas in September, and in April when that was the only time I could be with family, so they set up the tree and we pretended it was December. I have enjoyed the holiday in the nation’s capital seeing the tree on the White House lawn. Also, my December holiday has been celebrated in extremely hot and cold climates, with friends, alone and sometimes sad.

Psychology Today tells us we should honor our feelings, including sadness, and to create new traditions that will be enjoyed and remembered. Remember to respect yourself by finding time to invest in something that matters to you and enjoy the quiet moments that are presented. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season, which can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. They recommend how important it is to recognize your limitations, triggers and to communicate intentions with others if you are not wanting or planning to celebrate in what they may feel is traditional. 

Jim and I have formed our own little celebrating rituals with decorations, gift giving and special treats. My family holiday morning is now with Jim, our Doberman, Hooper, and Parrot Kozmo. I especially love watching Jim, Hooper and Kozmo open and enjoy the gifts, toys, or treats. 

My point of all this rambling is not about a holiday called Christmas or the many other holidays celebrated in December such as Saint Nicholas Day, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Three Kings Day, or Boxing Day – it’s about HOW we enjoy moments of time and connect to ourselves and others. 

My hope for you is a special December, full of moments that will bring warm smiles and memories for many years to come.

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness.”–Helen Keller 

Robin Anne Griffiths–Founder of ReChargeMe Zone * Behavioral Change Specialist * Yoga Instructor * Meditation Facilitator * Personal Trainer * Author * Speaker * Helping people on a journey for change to live a fuller and healthier life. Find out more about her work at www.rechargemezone.com.