Know that much of what you are thinking, feeling and how you are behaving is probably a reaction to all that has hit our country this year. As mentioned in prior posts, even if you haven't been directly impacted by weather and terrorism, we as a nation and union community have witnessed it via the media. We all are hurting. Cumulative stress can be a factor for some. String together a whole bunch of small events and if you reach your threshold for coping, just one more can set you off in a tail spin.

This time of year is not just about Christmas. Kwanzaa is celebrated in December by some African Americans, and Hanukkah can fall from late November or late December, celebrated by those of Jewish faith. Not all Christians observe Christmas in the same way, with decorations and gift giving, nor on the same date. Jehovah Witnesses see every day as belonging to God (Jehovah), to be honored one and the same; and Orthodox Christians (eg., Greek, Ukrainian) celebrate in early January as they follow a different calendar. This is a time of great diversity of practice and traditions, a commingling of rites from pagan times and modern interpretations of ancient religious practices.

If you don't feel like celebrating for any reason, remember to let your friends, family and coworkers know. A simple, "No, I am not up for it" will suffice. Stand firm. Heal.

Suffering is time limited. Put your all into healing and you can and will get through this, stronger, more resilient. There is a lot of goodness, beauty and compassion in this world. It outshines dark times. Tap into that source by remaining connected to those who love and/or support YOU. Back away from energy-zapping vampires and activities. Move toward goodness. That is the best holiday gift you can give to yourself.