Can you believe it! December is finally here, the last month of 2020. Gosh, I can remember we all had such high hopes for 2020 in January and then it was so scary for 4-6 weeks there we didn't know what to think. Even though the COVID numbers have gone back up, at least there isn't the panic feeling about the scary unknown. Let's all hold a place within ourselves to take ownership of the situation to the best of our ability which, in reality, is what is really needed.

Last year I expressed some resistance in wishing people Happy Holidays instead of the traditional Merry Christmas. It is with great joy that this year I honestly feel and understand the love and thoughtfulness of the greeting Happy Holidays. The joy of wishing happy holidays truly is acknowledging all the holidays celebrated in December. The celebrations start basically from the first day to the last day of December but more notably I guess would be the beginning of Saint Nicholas Day on the 6th (or 19th in some countries) which is actually a part of Advent and when Santa Claus or Saint Nick entered the picture. Then there is the Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice on the 21st. honoring Nature, also known as Yule in ancient times by the Germans and Norse culture, thus the yuletide greetings. From there on it comes fast and furious with the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, also known as Chanukkah, our celebration of the birth of Jesus with Christmas, Kwanzaa in the African-American heritage, and we can't leave out Boxing Day which is celebrated on a scale equal to our Christmas in a number of countries that were originally a part of the British Empire. Always the day after Christmas, this holiday was basically created to make sure everyone, no matter their stature, can have the opportunity to celebrate the joys of Christmas in their own special way. So you see, by wishing everyone Happy Holidays you're really covering your basis plus spreading a whole lot of love, joy and respect.

Usually I would encourage you to get creative with the 12 days of Christmas and suggest making a list of 12 things you are grateful for, 12 resolutions or even 12 goals for 2021 to begin manifesting these things into your lives. However, I think this year, to help everyone feel a little more grounded with all the unstable energy around us, let's make that list about 12 accomplishments you've had this year. They can be specific or in general. Number 1 can be just surviving 2020, that's an accomplishment right there. Maybe you still have a job, a roof over your head or have someone special who still loves you. What about your family? Your kids? Anything you still have this year is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Show yourself that even though things may feel bleak in some areas of your life, there are so many other parts of living that you do have control over and not any one thing can make or break you.

So, let's dedicate some time and energy this month in the act of joy. It has been hidden from our sight and yet there is joy within our lives no matter what's going on physically. We just have to remember to look for it and not take it for granted.

Please everyone, stay safe and healthy and once again, just for the joy of it, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!