“Deck the Halls with boughs of holly…’tis the season to be jolly…” and all that stuff. I have been told many times, “You love this time of year more than anyone I have ever met!” I have fond memories of Halloween nights, I am a lover of everything fall, and often start the Christmas countdown the day after Halloween. While I very much do love the time from October 31-December 30, there is a dichotomy in my feelings about the holidays. This time of year comes with beautiful lights, the anticipation, the Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations with family and friends. However, like many people, I feel that annual pain–like picking off a scab that has never had time to heal–that is derived from various, painful, childhood holiday memories.
This is a season that opens people up to recklessness that leaves its marks on so many innocent victims and carries throughout lifetimes. I am not writing this to make you feel sad, I am writing this paragraph as a reminder to make self-care a priority and know you are not alone. This year maybe more than any in the past 80 years, we need to remember that the whole world joins us in these trying times. Maybe just the thought that we are not alone might offer a sense of peace or at least a sense of being bonded with humanity. The Norman Rockwell depiction of the holidays, albeit heartwarming, can be deceiving–now more than ever.
My hope with this upcoming P2AB Observer newsletter is to emphasize the importance of self-care. Make these upcoming holidays your own trademark. Be a blessing to yourself while you are trying to be a blessing to others. After all, as the saying goes, we cannot take care of anyone else unless we first take care of ourselves.
Remember to follow Maranatha, we are now into the second week of Advent.
Namaste.
Les