Happy (?) Holidays

The holiday season is here! Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's. I loved this time of year as a child. 

My mom made everything about it so special. From Halloween to New Year's, she created little celebrations that filled me with joy and anticipation. I still enjoy the holidays, but I have to confess that the holidays I knew as a child aren't the same now that I'm an adult. A part of it is because Mom's gone--she entered eternity 7 years ago. That loss has left a huge hole in my heart, one that seems even more bottomless this time of year. Then there's the stress. As a child, you can sail into the holidays with excitement and wonder. As an adult, you can do the same, but too few of us do so. For me, the challenge has been that I've wanted to recreate those childhood days, to bring out all those wonderful traditions, the memories of which still bring me joy, and put them into practice. But here's the thing: I'm not my mom. Not by a long-shot. I'm more driven and--big surprise--more stressed. She had a sweet, giving spirit that permeated all she did. I aspire to be like her in that, but more often than not I fail. Which only ushers in more frustration, more stress, more disappointment. 


I don't want to do that any more. I want to rediscover the joy of the holidays, but that's going to mean finding what works now rather than what worked then. The Bible tells us to come together and reason things out, so, of course, I thought of you. 

• What do you do to ensure as peaceful a holiday as possible? 
• What traditions have you kept from childhood?
• What new traditions have you established?
• What's your favorite holiday activity?
• And last but certainly not least, what's your favorite holiday memory? 

Come, friends, let's share and reason together. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

Karen