CHRISTMAS. AND. NEW YEARS.

     

Tis the season!  Christmas is next week and I honestly can't believe how warm it is! Today I want to transform the letters of my blog into CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS!  I feel like so many times Christmas spirit gets lost and studies show that a high amount of people actually become depressed at Christmas and New Years!  I find that easy to believe seeing how if you're single, you see everyone with couple photos under the mistletoe and BAM - depressed, OR you see people spending lots of money (that you wish you also had) OR you think the weather is too cold or too hot!  Media, stores and means of entertainment portray a feeling of Christmas that HAS to be one way and so many times people become sadden that they don't feel that way!  That is why I wanted to spread a little joy as to how I have kept the Christmas spirit this year in hopes it may help someone else out there.
First things first is thanksgiving!

Giving of thanks to those around you and a Creator who provided you each day of life.  Meditation and prayer are a must when you are filled with holiday stress and anxiety, meditation brings the brainwave pattern into a relaxed state that promotes healing. The mind becomes fresh, delicate and beautiful, not to mention TRULY giving things to someone higher than you (GOD) frees you from all worry.  Second thing that is a MUST is focusing on how much you have.  TOO MANY times during the holidays the focus becomes exactly on everything you don't personally possess, SO SAD!  I have found that loving exactly what I have brings joy to my heart that money cannot buy. If this is a problem area for you, possibly work on it..go to a homeless shelter, google some non profit organizations and get into contact with some people that TRULY have SO MUCH less than you, I promise this will help you appreciate and enjoy your own life.

     Third thing is GIVING, should have been the first lol.  I have made a commitment within myself to completely FOCUS in on giving to those around me this time of year.  I must admit I use to become excited about receiving and maybe a level of maturity had to kick in but GIVING is what brings joy to my heart.  Questions I ask myself include, "How can I give back?"  I have been so blessed that I want to be a blessing to someone else. 

    After you have accomplished the 3 steps, I find that bargain hunting and decorating with things I find SUPUH CHEAP bring me a lot of excitement and joy LOL! I want to share a couple tips for bargain hunting this time of year.  I have become ONE with consignment shops because I have purchased SO MANY brand new items for prices like .99 - 2.99!  Dishes, DECOR, clothing, shoes, etc.  I also enjoy crafting and handmade my Christmas tree skirt.  Christmas tree skirts are an item that I could not find retail for less than 13$!!  I found that ridiculous and call me cheap but I went right to hobby lobby and chose the christmas fabric that was 50% off and christmas ribbon that was also 50% off and made my tree skirt for under $5!  I decorated the tree with ornaments, lights and tinsel but I FILLED in the tree with branches and pinecones from the ground outside and used a little GOLD spray paint and sparkle to them making my tree FULL and SHINY, another very inexpensive way to spruce up your home this time of year.

     Christmas lights lighten the heart and songs of good tidings and cheer should be heard at this time of year.  One thing I always try to do is listen to uplifting music but ESPECIALLY this time of year!   Time with loved ones and family and your very own traditions are all a blessing and what a great way to kick off the NEW YEAR!  NO matter what it is you are facing this Christmas, CHRIST is the reason for the season!  LOVE< JOY<AND PEACE to you all!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS !