Are you yearning for a more meaningful holiday season? If so, you are not alone, according to a recent poll conducted by the Center for a New American Dream 63 percent of Americans are planning to make the holidays more meaningful than ever before. With an overwhelming 85 percent of respondents thinking we should be focusing on friends, family, and the meaning of the holidays rather than on patriotic spending to help the economy.

There is no doubt that the holidays bring many stressors to an individual's life and with the recent ups and downs of the economy, these stressors are only heightened by the unknown of what tomorrow brings. It is important that we do our part, however, during this holiday season turn your focus to what is important in your life ... ask yourself ... What is one way that I can reduce stress this holiday season?Be thankful for what you do have.Help someone who has had so little.

Take care of yourself ... as the holiday season approaches taking care of yourself often gets put on the back burner because of the overwhelming demands and responsibilities we are caught up in. Take time for yourself, whether it is to exercise or just relax. Practice "mindfulness" learning to be aware of what is going on around you (as well, as inside of you) ... enjoy the moment that is right before you without the worry of what the next will bring.Be careful for your health there are many that have no regard for life and many of Satan's workers are harmful to you.They use the season for ill will.

There is no such thing as a "perfect" gift ... consider your gift giving list, who are you planning to give presents to and why. The "why" of that question will help you to decide what gift would be most meaningful. Many families have turned to exchanging names and setting spending limits to help reduce the financial burden that the holidays can often bring.Give a gift of Love to a stranger.A gift of a smile,and good will.

Handle children's expectations ... Be honest with your children and tell them the meaning of the holidays and what expectations there will be (e.g., financial burdens will reduce the amount of presents). Give children credit, they will understand if they are told the facts and information is communicated in a caring and loving way.Teach your children to give a gift for it is truly the greatest gift of all.

Develop your own family holiday traditions ... Families today are defined in many different ways and it is difficult to share the holidays with everyone that you want to. Trying to be in two places at once is exhausting and overwhelming, consider a way to negotiate or compromise, communicating ahead of time what your plans will be. Consider what would bring you the most joy this holiday season.

Be aware of reactions to losses ... whether this is the first holiday without a spouse or loved one or the second or third. Losses are felt significantly during the holiday season. Be prepared for the emotional responses to loss. It is okay to feel sad; it is okay to feel good. Cry when you feel a need to cry and ignore advice from others that you need to be strong. Lower your expectations -- go easy on yourself. You will not feel joyous, this is a natural response, but that does not mean that you cannot enjoy the day, even smile and laugh.Remember your loved ones that have passed.As you would have them remember you.

Use moderation in drinking and eating ... Focus more on other activities and interactions with people than on the drinking and eating. Plan healthy ways to stay focused and not overindulge yourself during the holidays. Eating a well-balanced meal or healthy snack before going to a party. Plan time for exercising (e.g., walking, going to the gym). Use support persons to help you stay focused on using healthy behaviors during the holidays.Take a walk in county side as a group.Pray openly unto the Lord as you feel the many blessings of our Lord and Savior.

Realize that there is no such thing as a perfect family ... we all have expectations of what we want the holidays to be (each one different than another's) which complicates family gatherings. The holidays intensify family issues and if you can acknowledge that this is a normal process, it will be easier to handle. Lower your expectations ... instead of trying for perfection, try to focus on the blessings of the moment of the holiday and enjoy it.

Dealing with the holiday blues ... many individuals feel "hyped" up for the holidays with great expectations of what will be, only to feel let down after the season has passed. This, again, is a normal response for everyone after the holiday rush. We are on an adrenaline high in preparation ... and for a variety of reasons when it is all over with we are exhausted, depressed, no energy and the inability to get back into gear. Plan for something to look forward to in January (e.g., winter vacation, plan a spring garden, go to a spa).

New Year Reflections ... consider what the year 2003 has brought to you ... the happiness ... the sadness ... the memories which can never be replaced ... the gratitude of where you have been ... where you are this very moment ... and where you are going.

This holiday season will mark the beginning of all our future holidays. I yearn to celebrate this holiday season with meaning and solitude and genuine joy.

 By the grace and guidence of our Lord I have decided to keep the season simple, to be more selective and less scheduled, and to deal with fewer stresses.

God is calling us to spend more solitary time with Him, away from the unnecessary shopping, driving, and entertaining. I am planning to use more wisely the money I needlessly spent on presents no one needed or wanted. This year, I don’t want to merely "cope" with the holidays! I want to celebrate and enjoy the holidays with our Savior!

May your holidays bring you love, happiness, harmony, laughter, and peace!

May you have the Lord in your hearts this holiday season and through out the year.