Which One Are You?

TODAY’S LAUGH: Like those crazy holiday sweaters we can’t seem to give up, we each have our “holiday personality” as well. Which one are you?

Joyful Janie is always upbeat, compelled to accost anyone who is not beaming with holiday cheer with, “This is just the BEST time of year, isn’t it??” She hums holiday tunes all day long and can’t imagine how anyone could be sad or stressed this time of year!

Holy Hannah focuses on the real meaning of the season. Every minute. And she reminds everyone around her to do the same. Constantly. She just doesn’t understand how others can get so wound up in all that “worldly” stuff. Like laughter.

Stressed Sara finds the holidays depressing as they stir up all kinds of rotten memories. She can’t wait for January 2nd. Holidays? Humbug.

Manic Mary has a million things on her list all year long, and then the holidays just add a million MORE. But she’ll get it all done, even if it kills her. You see her–a blur– racing from mall to bakery to bookstore to grocery to hair salon to post office…  She lives in her own little time zone. Whew!

TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Which one are you this time of year? Here’s the deal: (1) Yes, Janie, the holidays are a time of joy. (2) Yes, Hannah, this time of year does have deep spiritual meaning. (3) Yes, Sara, the season can stir up regret and pain, stress and worry.  And (4) yes, Mary, the holidays do add a bunch of stuff to an already busy life.

All of the above are true, all at the same time. Finding balance is the challenge. Whoever you are, just for this moment, stop and breathe. Take a few minutes to think: How can I find the middle ground this year? What’s on my list that I don’t need to do at all? What’s on my list that somebody else could have the joy of doing? How can I forgive the past and move forward, worry less and enjoy more? How can I focus less on the gifts and more on the Giver?

The holidays are a time of sharing what really matters in this world–the blessings of love and peace of heart and mind. If you want love, lighten someone else’s load today. If you’ve got extra, share. If you need something, ask. If you want peace, pray.

Thanks for blessing my life. May you find joy, peace, fulfillment (and great bargains) this week!

P.S. Speaking of great bargains… order books at Mary’s Store before December 15th to guarantee holiday delivery. Give the gift of laughter and encouragement to all the women on your list!