Oh-Oh! The Holidays Are Here!!

Yes, it's true. It really is that time of year again. I don't know how many of you feel the same as I do, but for me, time just flies by. I was speaking with a classmate of mine - that would be an elementary school classmate. We were attempting to make sense of the number of years that have marched by since we were running across the Washington Elementary School playground. His response was the old adage "Time flies when you're having fun". But what happens if you're NOT having fun? Holidays are meant to be joyous but for many it will not feel that way. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year - shopping, parties, visitors, and relatives coming out our ears. We often become over-tired and over-fed which will throw even those with the strongest constitution a little out of whack. How often do you mutter "I wish everyone would just leave me alone!" or "I wish I didn't have to see another person for about a week!" Be careful what you wish for!!

Holidays also remind me of loved who are not seated at the table when we start the feast. Their absence could be due to death, sickness or simply location but it is still felt more strongly at holiday gatherings. Traditions tend to focus on Grandma's pies or Mom's stuffing and even when these comfort foods are made strictly following their recipe....something is missing. For some, the holidays only serve as a reminder of the things they DON'T have. Not everyone will have too much turkey, too much stuffing or too much - period! I was walking through the hallways at one of the local nursing homes this week and this great big, huge feeling came over me. I don't even have a name for it. True, I do not know any of the stories of the people I saw but I wondered -  Are they happy? Do they have family that come to visit? I know in my head that most of the people who live there are EXACTLY where they need to be. They are safe, well fed, and have as much assistance available as they need. But in my heart, as I'm sure it is true for most of their family members, the question kept rolling around in my head -- Are they happy?!?

Have YOU ever needed to go somewhere to eat a free meal because it had been days since you last ate? BE THANKFUL. Have YOU ever shivered through the night afraid to turn up the heat not knowing if your fuel oil would last through the month? BE THANKFUL. Have YOU ever sat wondering when someone, anyone would stop by to ask how you were doing or just to say hello? BE THANKFUL. Most of us have so much to be thankful for, most of which we take for granted. So I challenge each of us this holiday season. Start a new tradition - take a day (an hour even) and DEVOTE it to bringing a smile to someone who really needs it! Be thankful for what you DO have and re-evaluate what you THINK you need. Cherish your family and friends and be sure that they KNOW that they are cherished.

So Happy Holidays to everyone! Please do what you can to make it a joyous season for everyone!

Jane Murakami

Golden Years Planning

(507) 403-3875

www.goldenyearsinfo.com