“Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!”

Maybe that’s a good mantra for parents as they weather the ups and downs of parenthood.  As the song goes, …”The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. As long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.”  It seems we can survive just about anything if there is some love in our lives, someone who cares.  It’s easy to forget that we are social creatures. We need each other.  (Maybe that’s why it’s easier for me to exercise with a friend, than by myself!) So, the attitude of “let it snow”, means we can survive any storm, any situation, better together than alone. (Hurricane Sandy is a good example of people coming together to survive better together than alone.)

I know the holidays are often stressful. Our lives don’t always match the happiness we think we “should” feel this time of year. So even if you are going through hard times right now, (and for many of us the holidays bring back painful memories of the past), take time out for yourself this holiday season to be in the present and enjoy the beauty of Nature, the lights, the music, the food, the friendship(s). If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to an old friend. You might just make their day. Sometimes taking a “contrary action”, like calling an old friend, can get us out of feeling stuck with old feelings of the past or fears about the future. The key is to stay in the present.  I know it’s easier said than done. So the next time you’re out and about, take a moment to observe little kids or elderly people. Notice how they enjoy life more because they focus on the here and now……..Perhaps that’s the best gift you can give yourself & your loved ones this holiday season, being present here and now, open to receive the gifts of the present moment.

…..More about holiday stress & expectations in my next post.

Until then….. take a moment now to relax, breath……. let go……. and let it snow…..          (Hope you enjoyed the “snow” on my blog today.)