Above All the Bustle...

When you think of the holiday season, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Take a minute and really think about this, because if the first thought that you have is anything other than what the season is actually supposed to be about I think we need to talk.

I have never been one to "preach" to anyone about religion, and I don't plan on starting now. If you have any level of education, you know what Christmas is actually about. There's no need to cover that. This is mostly about the events leading up to this most wonderful time of the year.

The point that I want to make today is that there are so many things to look forward to as we enter into the holiday season. There is something about the chilly air that brings thoughts of a warm, inviting fire below the stockings hung in a cozy living room. At any point in time you can hear carols and Christmas bells ringing, whether you are driving down the road or walking through the halls of a mall bustling with shoppers. When you walk into a store and see the Christmas decor throughout, and the creative energy that everyone seems to collectively put into filling their store with the most red and green...it should remind you that we are all in this season together, slowly migrating towards this huge event that for so many brings family, love and friendship together like no other holiday does.

So if you are one who chooses to participate in the preparation of this Christmas season that so many of us are blessed to share together, I would like to remind you of these things...

If you are driving down the road, on your annual journey to find a Christmas tree and you find yourself getting frustrated...just think about those that don't even have a home in which to put a Christmas tree.
When you are wrestling with the lights as you fumble around to get them perfectly aligned throughout the branches or even down the banister of your home...just think about those that can't even afford electricity to turn them on.
If you are one of the brave souls that chooses to venture out into the vast ocean of shoppers and traffic...consider it a blessing that you are able to enjoy the freedom of going anywhere you want to go, at any time...or that you are fortunate enough to have a little extra money to spend on your loved ones, or even yourself when so many others have to pinch pennies just to buy their next meal.

At some point during this holiday season, take a minute to look around, wherever you are. Breathe in the aromas of the delicious Christmas candies and baked goods that are just waiting to be savored by a giddy child whose heart is still filled with excitement from a recent visit to Santa. Listen to the hustle and bustle of everyone that is moving around, feverishly working to make this the best holiday season for the ones that they love. Look around at all that we have to be thankful for, from the togetherness that this season brings to the incredible beauty of everything involved in the journey towards this Christmas day.

Be thankful for the ones whose Christmas lists you hold. Be thankful that you are able to carry out some or all of the wishes on those lists. Be thankful for your family and every precious moment that you get to spend with each and every one of them.

Try to remember all of the reasons that made us care so much about the holidays to begin with..put that partridge back in your pear tree and just smile. It's Christmas time!