I have to congratulate myself for staying true to my commitment to remain above the fray of Christmas craziness this year. You know what I’m talking about – the Christmas songs that start around Halloween and continue nonstop until the new year; the never-ending holiday ads that try to guilt you into spending more money on presents than you make in a year; the over-crowded malls, department stores and grocery stores, and the ridiculously long check out lines.
It isn’t that I’m a total “bah humbug” kind of gal. It’s that I made a conscious decision to remain clear about the true meaning of the holidays, and quite frankly I have no one but myself to blame when I stressed myself to the max trying to do it all in years past. I’m no Martha Stewart, and I’m sure Martha’s secretly relieved to know I’m not bucking for her job.
This holiday is all about gratitude. Gratitude for family, friends, clients, colleagues – for anyone I’ve been blessed to spend time with and get to know more intimately. My tribe – that’s what I’m most grateful for – the people who understand my quirky wit, my unfounded fears, and my dogmatic belief that we are all connected, and it’s that connection that helps prevent us from doing harm to one another.
Rather than looking for presents under the tree, I’ll be looking for ways to thank all the people in my life who have shared a special moment, a smile, a virtual or real-life hug, a word of support, a laugh or a tear. These gifts are priceless. These gifts can’t be found in a store or online, and don’t go on sale for $9.99. These gifts are expressions from the heart that have the power to lift my spirit in a way that no material thing can.
So here’s to you my friends, my colleagues, my faithful clients – midlife women, women execs and women entrepreneurs – my tribe! I am truly grateful to know you, and that you are in my life. I wish you joy and laughter this holiday season. I wish you the pleasure of time spent with family and friends, of reflection and renewal.
Happy Holidays!
P.S. Just so you don’t think I’m a total Scrooge, I will be giving actual gifts to my six grandchildren. I have to admit, my motive is a wee bit selfish. After all, there’s nothing in the world that equals the joy seen in the face of a young child opening a Christmas present.
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