The Holidays: Think Big Picture

How often do you:

• Tell your loved ones how you really feel? (I'm talking the positive feelings here not the other ones)
• Give them a sincere compliment about something they have accomplished or done in their lives? 
• Genuinely listen (from start to finish) to a story that they are telling about themselves without sharing or interrupting?
• Get down to play with a niece or nephew or listen to what is going on with them instead of "in a minute" "after dinner" or "be there in a sec"?
• Put real effort into bringing something for dinner?
• Sit and talk to a grandparent
• Say "I miss you" or "I love you" like you really mean it - eye contact, squeeze of the shoulders, big hug
• Take a moment to absorb the family gathering, appreciate that you have people around you (regardless of how different everyone is), take it for what it is and enjoy it?

Christmas, the holidays and all the gatherings that go along with this time of year are upon us.  No regrets.  I find if I consciously try to do something special, from the heart and meaningful, it helps to feel the true meaning of the holidays. Soak it all up - the good, the bad and the ugly. If I try to look at the big picture, rather than all the nitty gritty details and personalities :), the bad and the ugly tend to disappear.

A link to Dr. Laura's Blog and a post she wrote about giving gifts from the heart.

http://www.drlaurablog.com/2009/12/03/making-it-personal-for-the-holidays/