Newsflash: you don’t have to have the best tree in order to enjoy the holidays.

So many of the real things that we enjoy around the holidays have nothing to do with how much they cost. After the fatal illness I came down with one Halloween that caused my severe unilateral deafness, it took weeks for me to fully walk again. My balance had been wrecked. Being alive the following holidays felt like a miracle (guess it kind of was since the medical staff told my family to get my will while I was incoherent in ICU)!

I'm deaf in the same ear as George Bailey ;) It's a Wonderful Life

The holidays should not be a competition (who has the best lights, who has the best whatever). It's a time to take a breather and enjoy the little things (No, you do not have to bake six dozen cookies if it doesn't bring you joy)! It's when you get to see people you haven't been able to because they live too far away, sit on the floor with the kids & hear their tales, spoil your pets, or eat candy you only have once a year.

What is something small that perhaps the majority of society wouldn't think anything great about that you enjoy around the holidays? Do you like to curl up next to the fire with a good book? My old dog, Dodie, used to jump straight in the air like a reindeer with her legs straight when her paws first touched snow each winter. (Yes, I know reindeer aren't real ;)!) Catching old flicks that run again each year is fun as well. Star Wars is a favorite in our house around the holiday.

At the end of the day, please don't let stress overwhelm you and be sure to not gloss over the things that really matter because you're too busy competing to have the best. Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!