If you ask me I would say yes – no one talks about the reason for Christmas very much, just what gift they are getting for themselves or someone. It seems so selfish. It has gone crazy! The commercials started with Black Friday like it was a marathon race. Shopping parties and teams are set up – it is organized better than most business groups. I like to listen to people talk about the shopping strategy they have to get all the best bargains. I am not a shopper.
I really like seeing the UPS man pull in the driveway and hear him honk the horn that he is here. I run to the door – it fly's open and he hands me a package. Now that is shopping!
My youngest son has been working on a Christmas list for weeks and weeks. I finally had to tell him he could not write on his list any more. He ask why, and I told him that he was getting to carried away with the things that he wanted and he would be disappointed to know he would not get everything on his list. He smiled, and said "I know – I just want everybody to have a good selection to choose from."
Christmas is no longer a fun family gathering for most people. The center and focus has turned too gifting over & spending. I over-heard a conversation of someone who has several children that she could not afford gifts this year and she was going home to crawl in the bed and maybe it would all go away. She has gotten so stressed over the holiday she was not even thinking about the fact she and her kids are healthy.
Its is so easy to get wrapped up in the TV and Commercial wonder world of advertising and wishing we could all have a Christmas like the fake ones you see on TV. You know the ones that everyone smiles and greets each other with happy faces, fabulous food sitting everywhere – no grumbling – no family fights – or loud obnoxious family member. Most people stumble through the holiday – I know I have.
I have always worked the holiday or just got off a 13 hour nurses night shift. Worn out and tired – it was a struggle to attend when I did not feel my best. I have missed so many holidays over the years it was normal for me – and now that I think about it – what a sad normal.
I still get stressed with crowds of people in small areas – This year I will be wearing peace and calming essential oil in my necklace to help prevent the stress and anxiety. This year my goal is not to struggle through the holiday but find everything I can document that is good about it. I am not going to look for one bad thing or dread any of the events. I am going to choose to see all the fun – the good – the family gathering. Just like on TV – I am going to have one of those Christmas right here.
I still do not plan to over shop – over spend. I want the real Christmas. I have Christmas Spirit essential oil diffusing in the air. Three trees are up in the house, no fancy bows or Christmas music playing in the background – no lights outside and not one present under the tree (shhhh yet). I want the lights that glow on my house to come from my children's smiles.
Tell me one thing that you love about Christmas that is not about gifts – will you go post that on my facebook wall – I want to know. This year is marking a new tradition and I would like your help.
Tell me what the ideal Christmas is to you.
TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY – OR NOT! IT'S YOUR CHOICE!
I really do believe our thoughts, beliefs, expectations and stories create our present and future life. Then look inside for the fear that is driving the behavior or situation you are in. Shine a light on that fear – and watch it disappear! Just like turning a light on when you are frightened in the dark makes you feel safe!
Generally our stories are based on our past – which is just that – THE PAST. It's gone. No more. It's not the present! While you live in the past and fear of things that happened, you are wasting your present – and recreating the misery of the past into the future!
Let's do this Christmas like no other, actually let's BE Christmas.
Sending Zooties & God winks (Endorphin Injection!) LOL
Angela Brooks is a mental health nurse educator who spent the last 22 years working in a state funded mental hospital. In 'A Nurses Story', she shares not only what her patients have taught her over the years, but what we can all learn from those we consider 'at the margins of society'. But it's also a book about nursing, about nurses, and about how a nurse healed alongside her patients. Ultimately, "A Nurses Story" exposes a raw truth – that each of us, individually, can inspire self-worth and purpose in every life we touch, if only we choose to.
What are nurses really thinking? What causes them to be frustrated and want to quit nursing even when they love taking care of people? What makes nurses stay, even when it feels like everything is against them? In 'A Nurses Story', you'll discover the answer.
The words in this book give voice to the millions of men and women who care for us and our loved ones every day in our most vulnerable times. ‘A Nurses Story’ is their story.
***********************
Will you leave your comment? I enjoy reading your reviews
Let me know your thoughts on today's issue.
Post your comments below
Are we connected on Twitter?
***************************
Copyright © 2011 AngelaBrook.com