*Sit down with your family to reflect on what you love most about the holidays and what typically brings difficulties each year. Allow yourselves to rethink your approach to the season and reinvent it if necessary to ensure your days will be "merry and bright." Keep only what is most enjoyable, meaningful, and manageable and let to of outworn traditions.
*As you make your plans, leave time in your schedule for surprises and spur-of-the moment outings or invitations. Be realistic about your need for rest and avoid the common trap of trying to see everyone in your social circle during the month. Reserve most of your time for loved ones, close friends, and needed time alone; defer other social engagements to the new year.
*Remember this time of year is one of feasting and allow yourself to enjoy the special holiday dishes and treats you love. To maintain balance, make these goodies part of your regular meals instead of snacking on them throughout the day. Also, get some exercise daily--try going for a walk as a family after dinner, getting outdoors to enjoy the first snow, or enjoying winter sports such as ice skating or skiing.
Above all, aim for moderation on the physical plane so you can focus your expansion on the inner, spiritual plane. In your outward celebration, scale back by buying less and eating consciously for full enjoyment. Honor the Sun's waning days by allowing yourself to slow down, get plenty of sleep (especially after late nights), and focus on your spiritual life.
Give yourself time alone to reflect on how well you are living up to your ideals and what changes you want to make in the coming year. Tune in to the stillness of nature by walking alone in a park and noticing the beauties of the seemingly barren earth as it rests in preparation for new life in the months ahead.
Finally, take time each day for prayer, especially giving thanks for all the goodness and abundance in your life. As you do, you will come to see that December truly can be "the most wonderful time of the year" when it brings you in touch with the Divine energies within yourself and all of creation.
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