As life and times change, I find myself contemplating what brings me true joy at the holiday season. Here's my list:
- I love seeing people truly happy with regard to life's best gifts: loving relationships, warm welcoming homes, meaningful endeavor, positive healthy pastimes, awesome adventures, good families, sufficient quality care and best possible health.
- I enjoy contributing to that happiness in ways that I can.
- I love the beauty of the natural world.
- I love intimate times with those I love including shared meals, adventures, conversations, meaningful projects, and more.
- I love a gathering of people who care for and want the best for each other.
- I love good music, art, stories, and delicious healthy foods.
- I enjoy a walk with a family member or a friend in a beautiful place.
- I love the anticipation and the planning for an adventure to come.
- I enjoy being surrounded by the holiday lights and decorations.
- I love a good movie.
As I think of the holidays to date, what worked well with regard to the joy I experienced include the following:
- Preparing fresh, healthy, delicious foods (foods that weren't as fresh or healthy were less enticing to guests and family members)
- Giving gifts that people really enjoy--I love the look on a person's face when they receive a gift that truly means something to them. That's not always easy to achieve, but I want to be mindful of gifts that make a difference versus gifts that are not enjoyed as much.
- We have a nice collection of decorations--a just right amount.
- It's been good to let people do their own thing--as life and times change, people will naturally move in a variety of directions. Some will move closer and some will move further away. I want to be flexible enough and open minded enough to allow this to happen peacefully.
- While planning ahead doesn't always work, it does ensure that you get to do most of what you hope to do over the holidays.
Looking ahead, what traditions and holiday actions will I continue?
- Buying and making meaningful gifts throughout the year is a good way to prepare for gift giving that people appreciate.
- Supporting popular traditions such as The Santa Party and Celebratory Dinners and Get-Togethers is something I want to continue. Some traditions may change a bit in the year ahead, and I'll be open to working with others as those changes occur.
- Noticing what foods people really enjoy and continuing the tradition of preparing those foods while retiring foods that people desire less. For example, I notice that people eat a lot less sweets and a lot more good salads than in the past.
- Planning ahead helps family members and friends take part in the celebrations.
- Leaving some room for surprise and the unexpected.
- Preparing the home in early-mid fall for the celebrations helps me to be ready to host and enjoy the celebrations.
- The Yankee Swaps continue to be popular and fun.
- I had more time this holiday season and I enjoyed having the time to do what I wanted with regard to holiday joy.
What traditions will change?
- I want to be more open to the ideas of the loved ones in this regard--clearly, they embrace some traditions while being less interested in others.
- I like to see my loved ones at the holidays so I'll be thinking of the best ways to do that as people's lives, localities, and abilities change.
