How to Put the Happy in the Holidays

It's that time of the year when families are expected to be happy. Greeting cards tell us, choirs sing it, and everywhere banners proclaim, "Happy Holidays." We do wish happiness for our family, We wish it for ourselves. Yet more often than not we are stressed out with duties and obligations. We succumb to pressure to do it all and by the time everything is done there is no energy left. We are wrung out, stressed out, tired, overwhelmed, sleep deprived and out of sorts. The kids feel it too. Meaningful traditions morph into chores. This season, I invite you to join me as we put the happy back into the holidays.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. H is for Heart. Listening from the heart means being genuinely interested, open and caring. It means being eager to hear, to learn, to be astonished--without the need to argue, interrupt the flow, or give advice (the really hard part). Listen, smile and give hugs instead of snapping. Family gatherings are fun when the emphasis is on heartfelt connection.
2. A is for Appreciate. Parenting is difficult but children are a joy. When feeling swamped and overwrought, stop and appreciate the tiny often unnoticed blessings. List your blessings out loud so that your family can hear. Tell them three things that you appreciate about them. Write letters of appreciation and mail them.
3. P is for Prayer. Regardless of religious belief or training, we all benefit from moments of reflection, silence, meditation or prayer. Each day turn off your thoughts and devote a moment to being still and holding hands with your beloved ones. Say a prayer or a positive affirmation for your family, for the neighbors, your friends and the world. We all need it.
4. P is for Peace. In the season of peace let us go through our day with an attitude of peace. Whether we are waiting in long line, stuck in traffic congestion, balancing our check book, or picking up the garbage that the dog dumped over, we can approach the setbacks and annoyances with a calmness. When the kids are upset, we can be the calm that brings peace. What a powerful role model example for our children.
5. Y is for Yeah. "Yeah" for all the things that are moving in a positive direction. "Yeah" for all the hard work you do on the behalf of your family. "Yeah" for the progress the kids are making. "Yeah" for the mistakes we all make because mistakes teach us another way. Smile and say, "Yeah!" for no reason at all. See what happens.