Ho Ho Ho

As we approach the Holiday Season this year the door opens on a cascade of advertising bombardment where multiple companies compete for our buying power resources. Every December brings with it the list of the “must have” toys, presents, and gadgets. This reached the ultimate frenzy a few years back with the Cabbage Patch Kids phenomenon. People would fly…I kid you not…to other countries to devour these rare dolls. This year it’s looking like Microsoft’s new “X-Box” is the “must have” present under the tree. Unfortunately, we have already been informed, surprise surprise, that there will be a severe shortage of X-Boxes to satisfy the hungry customer….can you say “up goes the price?” The X-Box truly is a wonderful, innovative addition to any home….but let’s all just keep it in perspective. Has the sound of Ho Ho Ho gradually turned into Buy Buy Buy?

This past year we have had more than enough struggles and disasters to handle on a worldwide scale. Have we found that the distraction of shopping is the ultimate diversion? Perhaps so….but we must never forget the joy of Love and Peace and it’s priceless qualities. The Christmas Season, we must not forget, is not only the celebration of the Birth of Christ, but also the embracing of Peace on Earth, and Brotherhood of Mankind. As much as our brains take in the glitz and glamour of the Holidays, the true treasure can only be experienced through our hearts. The family, our friends and loved ones…what more could we give them than a kiss, a hug, or a smile. No one wants to be called a Grinch….but the memories around the dinner table can last for many years. Each year at the table there are always additions and unfortunately, someone who is missing. As we pass the food and the beverages, in the back of our minds we always ask the question, “How many of us will still be here this time next year?”

The celebration of the season ultimately comes down to us. The trick is to find the balance between the presents and the heart, and, whenever possible, making the two meet. As time is fleeting, the mistake we can make is taking it all for granted. If the world is one great hotel that we all visit, let’s try as much as possible to have an insightful time, while not forgetting that one day it’s time to go back home. I often try to plan the weeks around the Holidays to get a better grip on what I need to do and where I want to go. As always, things don’t go according to plan every time, but overall things do pan out much more smoothly than having no plan at all. We are not perfect…we make mistakes…but the gist is to become better people. The wheel rolls ’round each year….still we try as best we can to not get caught in the spokes.

With all the hustle and bustle, take care of yourself out there. There is always something new to see, and somewhere familiar to go. Enjoy, embrace, and experience the life and the love around you.

Be of Good Cheer,
love, Jennifer Avalon