All of us have felt overwhelmed once the holiday season approaches. Often around this time of the year many people tend to get side tracked and forget what really matters. With the catchy (OK, possibly annoying to some people) Christmas tunes that begin immediately after Halloween, the lights and decorations, the gifts, movies, treats and hot chocolate, it's easy to get into the holiday vibes, and forget what truly matters.
Being away from home I have learned so much about appreciating everything life throws your way, good or bad, sometimes it's good to be challenged, after all, that's where the most valuable lessons come from. With that being said I have thought a lot about what really matters to me this holiday season and hope others can either relate or realize this too.
The wonderful day filled with delicious food, family, and football, or what we all know as Thanksgiving has already passed. But this holiday is definitely included in the season. So what really mattered this Thanksgiving? Believe it or not it's not about who can make the best pumpkin pie, or who can win a bet for the football game that is currently on the TV, as cliche as it is, it's about being thankful. There I said it, nothing new, we hear it all the time.
Showing people you are grateful for them and what they do tends to lead them into showing others the same thing. I am thankful for many things, my family, my friends, my education, and the list goes on and on. It is important to keep in mind what you are thankful for as the stress of the holidays begin to hit.
Love and laughter also are things I believe matter this season. Spreading love and laughter can make any bad day or week into a great one. Keeping yourself in a loving and upbeat mood spreads like a wild fire and people are sure to pay attention and react in the same way.
Family is the final thing I believe matters during this time of the year. No family is perfect, we all have our issues one way or another. However, this is the time to come together, put aside whatever it is that is keeping you separate from everyone and show the love and compassion you would show everyone else.
I encourage everyone this holiday season to keep in the back of their mind what it is that truly matters. Make a list of things that are important to you, non-materialistic, and make a goal to focus on that rather than what kind of dessert you will be making for Christmas dinner or what to get for each person on your list of people to get gifts for.
Being there for people, spreading love, laughter and showing you are thankful is what really matters.
