hol·i·day. noun \ˈhä-lə-ˌdā
a day on which one is exempt from work
by Merriam -Webster
a day fixed by law or custom on which ordinary business is suspended in commemoration of some event or in honor of some person
by Dictionary.com
a day of recreation; a consecrated day; a day set apart for the suspension of business. A legal holiday is a day set aside by statute for recreation,
by the freedictionary.com
A “holiday” can mean different things to different people. For some it can be a religious or holy day, a festive or celebratory day or even a day filled with commemoration while for others it may be purely a vacation day, a day of rest or possibly a week vacation somewhere far away…
What do the holidays mean to you?
Is it a time that you spend with family and friends or are you alone and lonely? A time for feast or a time when you are longing for a good hot meal? Are you happy or sad? Are you sociable or solemn?
Maybe you will receive all the gifts that are on your “wish list” or maybe you are wishing you are able to give or receive gifts at all this year. Do we take for granted that everyone surrounding us is happy and healthy? Or can we open our minds and our hearts to those who may be suffering this year?
For some, the holidays can be a very difficult time financially with the high percentage of people unemployed and the rising cost of living, the demands of gift giving can create pressure and stress. For others, it has nothing to do with money and it’s all about health; the health of loved ones, their pets, themselves. It becomes very difficult when so many people around you are celebrating the holidays when we are dealing with ill health for ourselves or someone special in our life. We also are reminded of loved ones who are only with us now in mind and spirit. The loss of someone special, no matter whether it was yesterday, a month ago, or many years have now passed, becomes extremely difficult while others around us are with their families and friends.
This “holiday” let’s be mindful of everyone in all situations. Visit or call a friend who is ill, help feed the hungry, donate food, blankets or gifts to a shelter, open your home to those who do not have their family near-by. Help those who are less fortunate whether it’s by opening your wallet to make a donation or your heart to show your support by making this holiday one filled with calmness, void of stress and inclusive of thoughtfulness.
My dear friend (who was diagnosed and treated for cancer many years ago), once shared this quote; “Most people have 1000 wishes for the holidays; a cancer patient only has one,
to get better.
Wishing everyone very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Holidays
His Breast Cancer Awareness
Harvey & Vicki
