5 Ways to Find Joy During the Holidays

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for. – Tom Bodett

The holiday season is here again! It seems the older I get, the holidays come around faster and faster.  It's hard not to be overwhelmed during the course of a normal month or week but adding the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to the mix makes us all a little more “anxious” to say the least.  So much to do, so little time.  It’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important during the holidays, we’re usually shouting, “Joy to the World” but not feeling very joyous.

Here are some ways to find joy this holiday season and all year long:
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1.  Do something for someone else.  Volunteer, bring in the neighbor’s trash can from the curb, donate items to a local shelter, help an elderly relative, etc. Bringing a smile to someone’s face is a sure-fire way to experience joy.

2.  Spend time with a child.  Even if you aren’t a parent, take your niece/nephew or godchild to a park or museum.  Children are the least cynical people you’ll meet and they will open your eyes to seeing the world in a different way.

3.  Laugh.  Watch a funny television show or read a funny book or hang out with friends who tickle your funny bone.  Laughter is the best medicine to lift your spirits.

4.  Reflect.  Did you wake up this morning with the ability to see, hear or think?  Do you have the freedom to go where ever you want and be whoever you want to be?  Because there are millions of blind and deaf people in the world and people from other countries flee their homes everyday for a taste of the very freedom you might be taking for granted. Smile and rejoice simply because you can!

5.  Let it go.  Let go of anger, fear, jealousy and any other negative feeling that keeps you from experiencing joy each day. You’re a unique manifestation of God and what God has for you. . .is for YOU.  Be happy with things just the way they are before you think about changing them.