One morning on my way to get into my van to go to work, it had snowed a few inches the night before, but I knew my motorized scooter could still drive through it.  As I approached the edge of the sidewalk to cross the parking lot, a snow plow crossed directly in front of me, dumping a huge mound of snow in my path.  Oh no!  I was doomed!  The snow pile came up to my waistline, and I knew there was no way to get through now.

The overwhelming feeling described here is frequently experienced during this time of year.  Family gatherings.  Holiday parties.  Traffic jams in parking lots.  Long shopping lines.  Hours spent wrapping gifts.  All of this while still dealing with the continuous flow of stresses with patient/family care and administrative tasks.

Even though this time of year can be full of many to-dos and much commercialism, I encourage you to take some time for yourself alone and really reflect on the true reason for this season.  This is shared in one of my favorite Christmas movies, A Charlie Brown Christmas:

Charlie Brown: “…I guess I don’t really know what Christmas is about. Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?”

Linus: “Sure, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”

Linus goes to center stage, spotlight.

Linus: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger.’ And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.’”

 Linus picks up blanket, walks back to piano.

Linus: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Thank you for this reminder, Linus!
Have a blessed Christmas and holiday season, Everyone, and a Happy New Year!