May Your Holidays Be Balanced and Bright

Being the month is December, I am finding myself obligated to a plethora of Christmas Parties, Events and Shows.  Wait a minute, the show at school is a "Winter" Show, don't want to offend anyone by saying "Christmas".  At least the dance studio calls it a Christmas Recital!  Let's just say we are busier.   The average American gains a disputed amount of weight during this annual yuletide era.  Are those additional numbers on the scale another reason to hate the holidays? Let's get to exercise class and keep that scale balanced!   If  you've lost a loved one, you feel it this time of year.  My dad LOVED Christmas and always made a big deal of it saying this was the reason he came to America.  It's been 5 years since I've spent a Christmas with my dad and I'm saddened that my family and I will never spend another Christmas with Grandpa.  I've shed some bitter tears this season knowing my dad never got to meet my 3 year old who is so fun to watch at Christmas this year. Christmas is new and exciting for him, the essential elemental spirit the 3/4 Christmas waltzes sing about.  Four bright eyed children who still marvel at the Christmas Tree and enjoy Christmas lights (whether they believe in Santa or not) have rekindled the gratefulness and love for the season.  How blessed am I to extend my dad's love for gift giving and put lots of presents under the tree.  For the record:  This does not mean I am buying an IPOD, 3DS, laptop or puppy, but I still want to give generously to them.   Being I'm busy, I haven't had enough time to take advantage of the holiday shopping deals (excuse for not wanting to fight crowds).  Thank God for Amazon, where you can purchase The Christian Yoga Home Exercise DVD "Perfect Peace" for your loved ones for Christmas and UPS will deliver it straight to your door   (shameless plug)!  Each year at Christmas time, I can't help but to reflect on the growing experiences of my life and it's often challenging to keep them in balance and bright.  Setting up the tree last week and getting caught under the mistletoe with my hubby, trapping my children under the mistletoe and hearing my oldest practice singing "White Christmas" for his debut in the Winter Show at School, I'm more aware of the Gospel of John's explanation of "the reason for the season":   

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:5

This is a difficult time of year, throwing us into imbalance, but it is a bright time of year as well shining light on our blessings and sorrows alike. "May your Holidays be Balanced and Bright!"