Franspiration

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here. We see it on city streets, feel it in retail stores and hear it in Christmas songs. They say that it’s “the most wonderful time of the year.” They say “‘tis the season to be jolly.” That’s how many people perceive the holiday season. It’s about celebrating loved ones and enjoying time together with special friends.

However, not all people have that luxury and they may relate more to phrases like “I wish I had a river I could skate away on” and have to believe that “next year all our troubles will be out of sight.”

Some people feel very alone during the holiday season. Commercials for jewelry stores make those people sad. Ads for ski lift sales make those people wish they had a skiing companion. Not everyone has the opportunity to be kissed under the mistletoe or to rock around the Christmas tree.

Being alone during the holiday season is no easy challenge. It is tough and it is exhausting but it is doable. At this time of year, I would like to offer you a list to brighten YOUR holiday season if you are one of the sweet souls who feels alone.

Pull out that camera. Just because you aren’t sharing the season with someone special doesn’t mean that you can’t capture its beauty and create your own gorgeous memories. You might be surprised at the miracles that you see from behind the lens of a camera.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Lifting up others is often a great way to lift up yourself. Share your time with people who are in need and know that you are making a wonderful and valuable contribution to the world. This world needs more giving people so why not be one of them?

Reach out to your coupled friends with whom you used to be close. I know, I know. You have probably done this a million times already but try one more time. Their reaction to including you in their festivities just might be different with a little persistence.

Send out holiday cards. Spread your OWN good cheer. Put on some Christmas carols, write out cards and know that the people YOU love will receive a heartfelt holiday wish from you. People don’t always reciprocate to people who are alone, though. Many people (not all, but many) who have moved on to the “couple stage” and “family stage” forget about the “singletons.” Try your best to separate their thoughtlessness from your thoughtfulness. The fact that they don’t reach out to you is not a reflection of your character. It is a reflection of theirs. Be all-inclusive with your list and send out cards to as many people as you can. Spread the spirit and spread it far!

Make an extra effort to spend quality time with your single friends. This is a time of year when you might feel blue and not want to go that extra mile. Go for it! Do it! Call your single friends and try to get some fun nights planned on the calendar. Even if coupled friends and family members no longer include you, your single friends are probably looking for some holiday festivities. Get dressed up. Ladies, put on beautiful makeup. Gentlemen, spend a few extra minutes getting ready. Make your nights out special because YOU are special and you deserve the seasonal fun!

Where are you Christmas

Why can’t I find you

Why have you gone away

Where is the laughter

You used to bring me

Why can’t I hear music play

Where are you Christmas

Do you remember

The one you used to know

I’m not the same one

See what the time’s done

Is that why you have let me go

I feel you Christmas

I know I’ve found you

You never fade away

The joy of Christmas

Stays here inside us

Fills each and every heart with love

 –Faith Hill

To one and all, I wish you a wonderful end to 2012. Whether you are single, dating, engaged or married, I hope that you find the happiness and love that you seek.  -LH

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