There is a special form of insanity that comes with the Holidays.

It is highly contagious and we have all contracted it.

Symptoms include:

Excessive Shopping, Decorating, Baking,

Wrapping, Cooking, Eating, Drinking, Partying ,

&

The Ultimate Insanity…….

Putting Reindeer Antlers on our pets!

Be particularly suspicious of

“harmless looking”but debilitating cocktails

with clever names like:

” Sex on a Snow Bank”.

(Just google the recipe)

Beware of

Mandatory Merriment

(parties where everyone is forced to wear stupid Santa Hats & dance in a conga line)…

the inclination to decorate our homes with tons of useless crap…

any urge to purchase a yard full of blow -up Santas and Reindeers….

 buying gifts no one needs…

spending money you do not have…

creating expectations of happiness and perfection

that lead to disappointment

&

depression after the holidays.

My friends ,

if you are experiencing several of these symptoms

you will need to

STOP, BREATHE & TAKE A MOMENT!

Every year this disease becomes more severe.

It might seem there is no cure.

But there is an antidote.

 and here it is:

JUST DON’T DO IT.

It’s that simple.

In the spirit of independent thought-

I’m going to suggest this year ,

we mindfully consider some alternatives.

What if we all do

ONE GOOD DEED FOR HUMANITY

and then….

SIMPLIFY THE REST OF OUR TRADITIONS.

Would the world stop spinning?

No… but our heads might.

Traditions are comforting

and

in the midst of a crazy world, we need them.

But we can always start new traditions

and

eliminate ones that cause only more stress in our already hectic lives.

This year, why not consider

giving your children gifts that will last long after the holiday is over.

Pick a neighborhood center or a church in your community

 that has families in need.

Give your children the gift of awareness,

Encourage your children to buy something

or donate their own money

for a child or family in need.

Give your children the gift of gratitude

by helping them understand how blessed they are

to have a home & a loving family

to protect and encourage them.

Give them the gift of compassion.

Let them experience the joy of giving to others.

It’s time to stop focusing on the stuff

& celebrate the holiday by being together.

.

SO…..

Love your family,

Prepare a wonderful meal,

Bake your cookies, Go to your parties,

Celebrate the season and have fun.

But

In the midst of all this- try to remember:

buying presents is not the point of this Holiday.

Give a gift that doesn’t need to purchased, wrapped or returned;

something that will never be “out of style.”

Give those you love the gift

of

 YOUR PRESENCE.