Cheers from Youth & Family Counseling Service

Happy Holidays!  Merry Christmas!  Happy Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanza!  Whatever the Holiday, they’re here!  We share our time with family and friends.  Enjoying the feasts prepared with love, giving us permission to overindulge.  We plan, we primp, we prepare to exhaustion.

We scurry to make or buy just the right gift, shop for the perfect Holiday attire; maybe even get a haircut or new style for this very festive time.

Stop! Slow down…take time to smell the egg nog.  What are we really celebrating…what are we doing?  Perhaps it’s time to take a good hard look at this and consider what is this season really about?  Why have so many of us fallen prey to the madness of the Holiday season?

We may start each year with good intentions:  to help others, donate food, toys or money.  Attend more church services, help at a hospital or soup kitchen…But what do we really focus on ultimately? 

If your answer is not giving you a warm and fuzzy feeling, consider trying something different.  Take the time this season to give of yourself and receive the greatest gift of all in return…the gift of giving of yourself is priceless, and the feeling is intoxicating.

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone. (Charles M. Schulz)

We know there are those struggling with illnesses, severe financial stressors and some who may have lost their homes.  Still others who have lost loved ones, are disabled, homeless and it’s still a difficult time for them. 

An hour at the local shelter, food bank or school may have a life changing impact on you and someone else.

So give the gift that always fits and has the best return policy…

Carol M. Pedro is a licensed therapist at Youth and Family Counseling, 233 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ  (908) 233-2042. Website yfcsnj.org