Christmas Spirit

What makes the Holidays such a special time of year is that warm, magical feeling that comes from being around friends, family, and loved ones and by celebrating life and letting them know how truly special they are to you. It's so easy to see the next few weeks as a sprint where you've got to keep going at high speed to get everything done at work and at home. Check out some tips, ideas, poems, songs, and resources for not only getting through the holidays but enjoying them as well. It seems like everyone is shopping or getting ready for a Christmas party or some other activity. It took me a long time to realize how important it is for us to allow ourselves to enjoy the holidays. Let in the "Christmas" spirit and become a better person, friend, neighbor, and coworker. Try not to miss out on the joys and wonders of the holiday season. I want you to have some fun this holiday season especially with your family. Make sure every family member gets involved in making it a great time. Pop up some popcorn, make a favorite recipe, or make hot chocolate and sit down at the dining room table with paper and pens, games, books, and other fun activities. Ask others for their ideas for having fun and giving to others? The holidays are going to happen so why not begin them with a joyful mindset and take advantage of the opportunities that are unique to this time of year. If you are open and receptive, good times will happen and those good times will become great memories. Pledge right now to make the holidays a time of joy rather than stress. I want to share my own holiday vision with you so visit my site for some ideas on having fun this Christmas at http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/decemberfunbooks.htm .

There's a lesson on The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein http://www.teachersfirst.com:80/lessons/givingtree.cfm that focuses attention on the power of giving. You can let everyone reflect and write about the gift they would most like to give and the person or groups to whom they would like to give it.

Inspiring Quote
“The work can wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work.”— Patricia Clafford

Christmas is supposed to be a time of peace, love and goodwill to all. I'd like to wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Merry Christmas.