Healthy Friday - Holiday Stress?!? What Have We Forgotten?

We're still a week before Thanksgiving and I'm already seeing some of my favorite people succumbing to the unnecessary and self-inflicted stress that far too often accompanies this season of gratitude, generosity, grace, reflection and celebration.  Why is that?  Have we completely forgotten what it is we're celebrating?  Have we lost the essence and spirit of the season?

I know for myself, when I find myself stressed during this season it usually has to do with wanting to make holiday accommodations, food, gifts, etc. "perfect" (as if it wasn't already) for the people I care about.  How silly is that?  The people we love don't care about the perfect souffle or the centerpiece being just so.  Of course all of the love and energy that is put into finding the "perfect" gift and creating the "perfect" seating arrangement is noticed and appreciated, but I know that I am perfectly happy just to sit in the company of my family and friends, and I'm certain the feeling is mutual.  I'd rather see my loved ones happy and present while we all enjoy peanut butter sandwiches than have them stressed out over making a seven course meal to impress me.  If the pie burns, so what, we can all have a good laugh and go for a walk together instead of having dessert.

As for those relatives who do make judgments based upon how well you set the table or how moist the turkey is, let's find compassion in our hearts for those people.  How sad and small their lives must be that they are too busy passing judgment to notice the joy that is present all around them in the connections they could be making with other people.

Set the example and be forgiving of yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.  Take a deep breath, settle in and find the perfection that exists in every moment.  Look around and find the many things you have to be grateful for and watch your stress just melt away!