Tis the Season for...

[Weedygarden]

Is it the season of joy and happiness? Is it the season to be kind? Is it the season of giving? Is it the season of receiving? Is it the season for some people to be stressed out? I think it can be all of them, but I think that it is also what you make of it.

I realize that not everyone has the same disposition, needs or awareness. Some people have many more demands and expectations put on them than others and life is harder for some than for others.

During the holiday season, I try to be more patient with everyone. I think about it when I am getting ready to go into a store or place of business. I try to give people kind greetings, especially those who are working and helping me. I see other people who are very rude and impatient. Am I 100% positive? Nope! But I try to be aware!

I try to be aware of those whose life is not the best, such as recently widowed people. I try to take some people out for a meal. I also buy tamales for some families. I give some homemade treats such as cookies and candies. I try to visit with people who are alone, maybe on the phone, maybe meeting up with them.

What is the holiday season for you?

 

[Snowman]

 

[Ekatarina]

To me its ......F R E E Z I N G ... C O L D... S E A S O N

 

[Pearl]

An end and then a new beginning!!

 

[d_marsh]

I am transitioning from it just being another holiday to a time of giving and togetherness. The ladies are really into Christmas, more than I would have ever thought. And every little thing is a big thing to them. So I am being dragged into the festive merriment if I want to be or not.

 

[Weedygarden]

I am transitioning from it just being another holiday to a time of giving and togetherness. The ladies are really into Christmas, more than I would have ever thought. And every little thing is a big thing to them. So I am being dragged into the festive merriment if I want to be or not.

Enjoy and make the most of it!

I think a big part of what goes on for people is based in their childhood.

I have read many stories of people being alone on Christmas and how sad and depressed they are. I don't ever remember feeling sad or being depressed on Christmas. I think that if you grow up with lots of traditions and celebrations your expectations are higher and your participation is also higher.

 

[teeceetx]

I try and be positive on Christmas, and for the most part I am.

But in the past, some Christmas's were horrible. My first Christmas ('68) after my mother and grandfather died when I was 12. Several Christmas's after that. Then in ('93) when my dad died a week before Christmas. Then in ('94) when my ex took my 2 yr old son back East for Christmas (I was in CA), leaving me all alone after she just filed for divorce. And there were several others that were just awful.

But I truly try and be positive, thankful for what I have in life.

 

[Snowman]

 

[Supervisor42]

Tis the Season for...​

1099R tax forms to arrive.
Yes, you owe taxes on every dime you pulled from your IRA.

 

[Weedygarden]

I try and be positive on Christmas, and for the most part I am.

But in the past, some Christmas's were horrible. My first Christmas ('68) after my mother and grandfather died when I was 12. Several Christmas's after that. Then in ('93) when my dad died a week before Christmas. Then in ('94) when my ex took my 2 yr old son back East for Christmas (I was in CA), leaving me all alone after she just filed for divorce. And there were several others that were just awful.

But I truly try and be positive, thankful for what I have in life.

After my mother died when I was six, I don't think any two Christmases were ever the same. I think that part of what I learned as a child was not to have too high of expectations, and then I wouldn't be disappointed.

Yesterday, in the grocery store, I was moving along the case where the eggs were. A woman came with her cart and cut me off. If I had not screeched to a stop, I would have hit her. I stood there, just blinking. I looked over at another woman who had probably been cut off as well and we just both blinked and kind of smiled at each other. I waited for a little bit for the woman who cut me off to find what eggs she wanted, but she was no longer in a hurry. I opened the door beside her, got my eggs and moved around her. It helped me to think that maybe she had too much to do. When I checked out, I asked the cashier if people were being cheerful and kind, and were there many people in a big hurry? He said, "Its okay. Some people are extra kind and some are not." I told him that I think it is especially important to be kind to everyone this time of year, because we don't know what people are going through. The young man who was bagging my groceries asked me what I was going to give him for Christmas. I told him that I didn't think that was what it is all about. He agreed with me. I hope that short conversation got him thinking about what more there is than what we give and receive for gifts. Gifts are okay, but there is much more to Christmas than gifts, imho.