From our house to yours, may you have a very Merry Christmas Season!

When you feel harried, stop and take a deep breath. Look around you to see the beauty of the season: Houses lit up to delight the eye, a taste of delightful foods prepared with joy, and have a wonderment of life.

Too often, we get caught up in the to-do lists, doing for others to the point of exhaustion, looking for that perfect gift for everybody on your gift list, even going so far as to get deeper in debt (which causes more stress).

Remember yourself and how much energy you have to spend each day. Know when to stop and take five minutes just for you, or perhaps longer.

Life itself is so precious. Appreciate the people in your life. Share a smile to lift the spirit of those you see. It can do wonders. Even if the smile is not returned, it may add a kind thought to their mind. But usually even strangers will smile back. Of course, with masks on, you have to look in the eyes to see the smile there.

Try to think about a Happier New Year. Positive thoughts go a long way to heal your heart and mind.

Again, warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, filled to the brim with all good things and great memories. Have a fabulous New Year, with wonderful feelings of hope and the joy of being alive.