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| La Santita de mi corazon, digital illustration by Kathy Cano-Murillo. |
It's a few days away from Christmas, but that doesn't mean everyone has that holiday glow. We've all been there at one time or another. I know I have. It's silly really, because it all comes down to one day out of the year that magic and miracles are supposed to happen. It has to with all the sparkly decorations, the chilly weather, the cuddling, parties and gift giving - it just feels special!
Truth is, magic and miracles can and do happen all year round. We have to make ourselves believe that every day is Christmas. Every day is the time to be cool, understanding, patient, to have faith and hope, to open our senses, and give unconditionally. Easier said than done, right? Regardless, this time of the year should be lively.
My holiday 'happy' alternates every other year. Right now, my heart doesn't feel as heavy as it did last year (the first holiday without my dad). This season, I can feel his spirit all around, and no matter what, I'm keeping my chin up and celebrating here on Earth in his honor. I'm even going to make his red chile recipe this week!
If you are feeling the slightest bit frumpy, lonely or sad, I'm sending love and light your way to lift your spirits. Based on my past experiences, here are some ideas for pick-me-ups to help add more zing to your gingerbread.
AND - if you have any ideas to share, please add them in the comments!
1. Listen to some new holiday tunes. Skip the tired songs, no matter how classic they are. Fresh vibes! Target has a FREE downloadable CD of indie bands singing NEW carols. I've been listening to it all day. Here is the link.
2. Write down happy fortunes and hand them out to strangers. The power of words is very strong, imagine being able to change someone's day or mood just by delivering an uplifting sentence. You can make up your own quotes, or cite your favorites. It feels soooo good to do something nice to someone who is not expecting it.
3. Remember that gift giving is about the sentiment, not the monetary value. If you can't afford fancy gifts, drop your pride and stick within your budget. You'll have less stress, and less resentment toward the person you splurged on! Gifts are not a scorecard, they are a symbol of personalized thoughtfulness. Think priceless. Here's an idea - print off photos (of you and the person) you took and put them in a painted frame. Another thought - write or use a fancy font to print a poem and do the same.
4. Participate in your local Christmas Angel program. This is where you go to the mall and take a tag off the tree and buy a gift for a child. Before you turn it in, slip in a handwritten note wishing them a happy day! If you miss the deadline, just get a gift and take it to a shelter or a drop off box.
5. Watch a cheesy holiday movie on cable. Hey, don't judge! It does wonders, trust me! You can even watch one online at Hallmark.com - HERE. I watched Farewell, Mr. Kringle the other day and loved it so much I baked gingerbread cookies right after! (Classic holiday flicks are okay too, but they are on every channel these days, so they don't seem as special).
LINK
6. Read a holiday book. Here is USA Today's list of their faves. If you are into romance and happy endings, Arizona (and best-selling) author, Lisa Plumley has a new romance book out, Holiday Affair. Gotta give a shout out to a fellow local author!
7. Cookie bomb your workplace. Buy a roll of cookie dough, bake it up and bring it into the most unlikely of work meetings - or even to a department other than your own. Smiles abound!
8. Light a sugarplum candle. Don't wait to buy a gourmet one. Act now, Christmas is Saturday! Next time you are at the grocery store, pick one up and light 'er up! (Never leave a candle unattended) You can even make a cool candle holder from embroidery thread and fabric stiffener!
9. Call an old friend or distant family member out of the blue. Make it someone who always cheered you up, but because of your busy life, you lost touch. It doesn't mean you have to clear your whole schedule, just a phone call or even an email. Heck, go on Facebook and leave them a happy comment.
10. Make a little tribute collage for a loved one who has passed. Write them a letter, decorate a candle, play their favorite music, watch their favorite movie. This is what I'm going to do for my dad!
11. Eat a candy cane. Seriously. Nothing feels like Christmas more than sucking on a bent over red and white striped minty confection!
12. Make or learn something new and out of your comfort zone. Make it a gift for yourself to break out of your funk and exercise some new artistic muscles. YouTube has a wealth of videos for tutorials! Learn how to draw a face, or play a new song on the piano.
Well, there is my list. Hope it helps! There are many more ideas I'm sure, please share yours, let's all do this together! If you know someone who needs a lift, print off this article for them! Please retweet!
P.S. And if it makes you feel better to skip the season altogether, it's cool too. I totally get that - been there...sometimes you just have to duck and cover!
Peace, love, and glitter!
Kathy :-)
P.S. Check out my new novel!
Thank you for the suggestions! I've found it hard to get into Christmas because of money (and yes use ur crafty talents now) and I've escaped the last to Decembers by going travelling. Another thing I've tried is to focus on the joy of it all (especially for kids) and the kindness it brings out in people!
ReplyDeleteI am having a hard time this year. Christmas was always my shining moment! I planned and produced and executed with all my heart ( and savings account). This year, we are down to one income, and I have not been able to stand for long periods of time without pain.
ReplyDeleteWe will have a Christmas, but not like others we have had in the past. My sadness, is that I can't "do it" this year. I am also struggling to find myself what should be a New Self. Whether it is to finally make a living with some things I create, or find a job that I can both physically and mentally like ( or perhaps a better word is "take") I have grown so cynical lately of "people in charge." So, we will have a Grand kids Christmas on a lower scale, & just cookies for everyone else.
And now,my New Year will be working on my future. I still haven't found that yet.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Kathy! I so enjoyed meeting you and your husband last summer, and do hope you can come this way again, you are a constant inspiration to me!
Much LOVE from my house to yours!
Lynn
It's like a Christmas miracle that you blogged this. I have been so bummed this year. I have been a lonely grinch dissing on holiday music and complaining about how much I despise the season of "giving". So Mrs. Cano... to you I say thanks!!!! Thanks for pulling a melodramatic artist out of her funk. Tonight, instead of pouring a glass of wine to drink, I will pour a glass of water to dip my paintbrush in as I paint my worries away.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that usually helps me, which I forgot about until I read your article, is watching old family movies. My father, like yours, passed away. I was only eleven, so there are times that I can barely remember what his voice sounded like or what type of hand gestures he used when he spoke, I even forget his smile some days. It’s been so long. I like to put on the old movies from when we were kids and just enjoy. They always bring tears, but it reminds me of how happy I should be. Back then Christmas was special to me. It was a time for tamales, possole, poinsettias, posadas, homemade glitter ornaments, abuelita hot chocolate, and Santa bringing the presents.
Thanks again Kathy, and goodbye holiday blues!!!
Perla R Leal
http://artedeperla.blogspot.com/
I just started the Christmas "doughs" and put The Elvis Album Christmas on - and LOUD, upped the bass too! All with the windows open! ( Hubby is working in his classroom today so he is not frowning at me)
ReplyDeleteThis has helped tremendously!!
thank you for sharing your stories and thoughts. i guess it is all about reinvention, letting go of what we used to do and starting new traditions that work for where we are at now. that's how i'm looking at it. i do like those holiday movies though!!!
ReplyDeleteHow can't I not say Thank you for this up lifting helper. I to lost my dad and this is my first xmas with out him really rough:(
ReplyDeleteThank you
My dad made the best Green chili still have some frozen