Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

I am thinking about Christmas. I know it is early but time is just going so fast. I also want something else to think about other than all that is going on. How can I make it special this year? It has been a rough year.

Ho Ho Ho

Dear Ho Ho Ho,

Won’t be long, will it? I remember it felt like March lasted a year and then it now feels like March was yesterday.

I think it’s a great idea to think about Christmas or anything that makes you smile and have good feelings. Christmas isn’t that for a bunch of people. However some of us love it.

What is it about Christmas or any special time that makes it special? I think it is because for a little bit we think about things bigger than ourselves. Anytime when I do something different than usual it speaks out to me and stops me and my racing life for just a bit and that feels good.

As much as some of us run around and buy like crazy, this is not where the magic lies. I stopped that a long time ago. In fact, I have never especially appreciated buying presents on demand.

What are the things you love about Christmas and the holidays? Do more of that. Do you have traditions? If you don’t, why not start some? How might you make gift-giving different this year?

Do you have special foods that you really enjoy or might this year be a good time to try some different foods? I can hear you now, “Aunt B, don’t mess with my favorite Christmas foods.” I get that, but add one new dish or change up the foods on one day during the holiday.

How do you reach out to others? Do more of that. We all know many people far less fortunate than us. How might you make their holidays more special? What about the senior centers or nursing homes? Many people in these places have no one and not much special going on. This is where a little bit of cheer can go a long way.

If you start now, you can touch people before the rush starts. What about volunteering in a homeless shelter now? Don’t wait for the holidays.

If Christmas isn’t your time, do something way different. Maybe now is the time to forgive someone or of course forgive yourself. If you have carried a hurt around for a long time, do something to let it go. If you are lonely, reach out to other people. At this time it can seem like you are the only one that is alone and lonely, but that just isn’t true. There are many people out there that would love a new friend. Make a new friend.

For those of you that want to scream at me because I already brought up Christmas, go ahead. It won’t be the first time. Not that a lot of people scream at me but it has happened.

Don’t wait for anything. Go make today special. There are many opportunities. Look for someone whose eyes (because with masks you can’t see their whole face) look like they need a lift and smile at them so large that they can see it through your eyes. Speak kind words onto others. Love each other.

Love,

Aunt B

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