Light Up Christmas
By Arleen M. Kaptur 

We've all had those days - the weather is 
nasty, and car is making these strange 
noises, and you have a dental appointment. 

Breakfast is a grab and run affair, and 
lunch is pretty much the same. Now every-
one is heading home and the evening is 
filled with homework, cleaning, dishes, and 
that tension headache that has been coming 
on all day. 

Reality - most assuredly but as the saying 
goes "There is a silver lining...." 
The Holiday Season is here and it has all the 
bright colors, ribbons, and bells that make it 
shiny, exciting, and ...

How could there be a silver lining when credit 
card bills rise, tempers flare, and fender benders 
are a dime a dozen? Well, let's back up just a bit. 
In fact, let's back up a whole lot. Remember as a
child nothing could contain your enthusiasm, 
expectation, and fun. You woke up in a good mood, 
your day was filled with family, friends, and 
happiness, and at night you fell asleep and those 
sugar plums were dancing all around you. Ahem - 

There is your silver lining - take back the Holidays - 
use your energy and not your wallet or credit 
card to bring joy to everyone - starting with your-
self. Only a good night's sleep will put a twinkle 
in your eye, and only good vibes will get you through 
you day. Enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa and read 
a few pages from a good book, when it starts snowing 
grab the kids and "catch" those first flakes, say 
"Thank You", "Good Night" and "Please" to 
family as well as strangers. A word of praise to a 
child doing his homework, or to Dad working on the 
bills opens the door to Christmas Joy. 

At the check-out when someone is fumbling 
through their purse, don't sigh with impatience, see 
the brilliance of the lights and decorations; when a 
driver cuts in front of you, don't give him/her a new 
name, just take a deep breath, and sing a line from 
Jingle Bells. Silly - not at all - it's taking control of 
the situation and sprinkling some "Christmas magic" 
everywhere. 

A smile, holding a door, saying "Merry 
Christmas" or picking up something that someone 
dropped - they are the nourishment that the 
Christmas Spirit uses to heal harried nerves and 
tension headaches. See a book someone might 
enjoy - make a very special bookmark to go with it 
- a picture of a favorite vacation spot, or a loved pet. 
The gift - well worth its weight in gold. Not handy 
or talented - or you just never tried - whichever, 
there are ribbons, glitter, and other inexpensive 
touches to add to any gift. 

A robe for grandpa with a handful of favorite mints 
in the pocket, a bowl of your best chili taken to a 
neighbor on a cold winter night, or a child's voice on 
a tape to a relative so far away. Just thinking of 
ways to bring happiness and joy returns the favor 
immediately - you feel happier, and the Christmas 
Spirit is alive and well - in you, your friends and 
family and the world -  the glow of Christmas 
shines through the universe and you helped. 
Try it and ENJOY 
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©Arleen M. Kaptur 2003 November 
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