Do You Struggle With the Holidays? by John Cali

George_c_scott_as_scroogeGeorge C. Scott as Scrooge by Bob Doucette

David O. Selznick, the legendary Hollywood filmmaker, once said “I’m so depressed. Christmas is the worst of all. Holidays are terrible, worse than Sundays. I get melancholia.”

Some of my family and friends struggle with the holidays, particularly the winter holidays. (Or summer, if you’re in the southern hemisphere.) Like Scrooge and Selznick, they dread to see them coming each year—whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, etc. etc.

Aren’t we missing the whole point of the holiday season? It’s supposed to be a time of celebration—a time of sharing peace, joy, and love with others. And yet, for many, it’s just the opposite.

Here are some of Spirit’s thoughts:

The holidays, the celebrations—whether Christmas or any other special time—often remind you of the inherent joy of life. Celebrations are all about joy, about honoring the lives of all your loved ones, and of all people.

But, just importantly, your celebrations are about you—about your appreciation and love for yourself.

If you cannot celebrate the miracle that is you first, then you will often find little joy or reason to celebrate Christmas—or any other holiday.

Your joy, your happiness, your peace depend only on you. And only on how you feel about you. Your ability to love, appreciate, and celebrate yourself is the key here. In that ability you are empowered to live fully in every moment with a deep sense of joy,

That’s what Christmas, or any other holiday, is all about, isn’t it? That’s what life is all about.

So instead of stressing yourself out, or making yourself miserable during the holidays, be joyful. Be joy.

Celebrate every day of your life as if it was Christmas or any other holiday. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate everything and everyone in your life. It’s all good!

Joy is your life’s purpose—your life’s highest purpose.

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Bob Welsh is a retired Ohio State Trooper, and also a great story-teller. This video recounts a Christmas Eve long ago when Bob was on duty.

Related links:
Do You Have A Hard Time Loving Yourself?
Peace
The Spirit of Christmas
Merry Christmas

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How do you feel about the holidays—are they depressing for you, or a time of joyous celebration? Please share your thoughts and comments with us.

What other subjects would you like us to talk about in these posts? Please email me.

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About John Cali
John Cali is a writer, blogger, and channel for a group of spirit guides. His next book is Conversations With Spirit: Real Answers to Life’s Pesky Questions, Book 1. John lives in northwestern Wyoming. Sign up for his newsletter here.

 

10 Responses

  1. Micki

    Hi John,
    I find that Christmas is one time of the year that families really make an effort to get together and celebrate with the joy of love and giving, and reconnect with those that you don’t see or speak to often enough. Its a wonderful time of the year. I wish you, your and everyone the joys of Christmas and a very happy and exciting 2014. love and huge hugs to you John.
    Micki

    • John Cali

      Hi Micki,

      Great to hear from you! I agree — this is a wonderful time of year. I love all the seasons, but this is my favorite.

      May you and all your loved ones have a blessed and beautiful Christmas and holiday season.
      Lots of love and hugs,
      John

  2. Pat

    Thank you, John, sometimes forget how the Christmas season can affect those that have fallen on hard times. It’s good to be reminded to be more sensitive and compassionate for one another and genuine in our expression of love and joy.

    • John Cali

      You’re most welcome, Pat. As you say, it’s good to be reminded to have compassion for one another — not only in this season, but all year ’round.

      • Pat

        So true, John, especially in the times we now live in. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and joyous New Year.

        • John Cali

          Thanks very much, Pat. Have a very Merry Christmas–and a most bright and beautiful New Year.

  3. Mikala

    I find holidays to be mindful opportunities to open to the energies of goodwill, joy, sharing, compassion, love and light. We seem to gather not only as blood relative families, but as the human family and we don’t want anyone left out. A person alone is invited to share the celebratory meal, the laughter, and is included. As an observer, I feel warmth and peace in knowing my brothers and sisters in this life are capable of great compassion that is, perhaps, not shown in other situations.

    I personally find the absence of the sunshine, and temperatures at negative 48 a bit depressive ——- until the sun shines even a little through the clouds and makes the snow sparkle, and outside is a beautiful post card image. (I watch from inside however.)

    So, I wish for all, during the holidays and forever, the immense Love that Spirit has for us, each and every one.

    Mikala

      • Melanie

        that put a lump in my throat. wow what a story poem. Thank you for sharing the youtube. It is good to think of touching peoples lives with kindness and joy. It make a person want to give the best gift. Love. Good cheer to you all Love Melanie.

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