There is something so comforting about this time of year. We are right, smack-dab in the middle of the holidays, yet it’s that quiet time, that calm before the storm of Thanksgiving, then Christmas.
My house is currently filled with a mix of both fall and winter. Pumpkins still litter the kitchen table, while Christmas jazz music softly plays in the background, and a cinnamon pumpkin scented candle burns in the living room, flame whipping about a gentle glow that warms the soul.
As I’ve stated earlier, I can be a bit of an anxious person, so the holidays can be triggering for me. The never-ending holiday parties, the gift lift as long as my arm, the baking required for family get-togethers. It’s all a bit much.
But then I try to remind myself how blessed I am to be able to be stressed by things like holiday parties, gifts to buy for loved ones, and food to bake. There are so, so, so many people who don’t get that luxury. their anxieties are about whether they will starve to death, survive their illness another day, escape a dangerous situation, find a loving home, find freedom, etc.
May we all keep ever-present the silver linings in our lives, as well as do what we can with what we have to help others.
In preparing for this season, what are some of your favorite ways to give back, remain present, and stay grateful?