During the holiday season, despite of the many food on the table, or the wrapped presents or the festivities all around, it is always the presence of family and loved ones that make things special and truly a season to celebrate. 

Take a look at winter holidays.  You may come across massive feelings blown in from the cold North Pole.  The season to be jolly and giving is filled with so much expectation of warm, cozy and happy times with family and friends.  And for caregivers, gathering their loved ones together for a lively celebration and added support sum up for tender, memorable moments.  Lots of stories shared, as well as visiting places and friends, and finding ways to brighten up someone’s day especially that of an ill family member all bring everyone basking in the spirit of the holidays.

Not everyone reacts to holidays the same way though.  If others are on it with welcoming spirits, there are those that greet it with darker moods.  For them, the sound of carols and bells jingling carried forth the painful memory of some losses.  It implies that some things are not the same anymore, and will never be, for grandpa cannot anymore recognize visitors, dad will not be able to put on the lights like he did the past years, or both dad and mom need much attention that there is no time left to buy or send holiday cards and gifts or attend parties and go to concerts.  Sadness, resentment and impatience may prevail with such deep-seated pain forgetting the real meaning of the holidays. 

To be spared of whatever anguish on the season of love and happiness, regardless of the losses and misfortunes at this wonderful time of the year, conjure within you seasonal elixirs to keep you warm and jolly as you stay close to the ones you love.  Practice making the habit of mentally blessing the people you care so much about within the day, as well as giving peace to those around you and others.  If a distant friend or family member or relative calls, or a home care aid drops by, or even someone sending you a party invitation, mentally shower each person with prayer and peace.  Do exactly the same thing as you look at yourself in the mirror.  It is one huge and priceless gift you can give to everybody without spending a penny on.  Make sure to give it with genuine smile.  You may be amazed to see what it brings in the end.

If you have no intention of being in the apt mood for the holidays, well then, you will never be in for it.  Create and set a positive intention for it.  You can opt for being festive, calm, loving or appreciative.  The choice is yours alone to make and enjoy.  Once you have decided to set your mood on something more celebratory, renew it over and over again all throughout the day to keep you on the track despite of unfavorable circumstances.  If the need calls for sticky notes, you may use one or two to remind you of your intention.  You can even ask a family member or a friend to join you and make it your latest holiday game.  This will certainly hustle the mood to settle in, just in time for you to relish on the joy of the occasion.

It may be understandably sad to see a loved one suffering or to reminisce the loss of a dear family member, and no matter how discouraged and exhausted you are of life’s tribulations, try to find meaning in all your experiences and pains to make dealing them easier.  Do not forget that things happen for a reason.  The same thing as there is indeed a significant reason why holidays are celebrated with so much fuss and conviviality.