GRAY MATTERS
November 2011
Intentional Holidays
Happy Fall!  It is so beautiful and abundant at this time of year, holiday season is on my mind.  I actually brought out the Christmas music today.  It makes me happy to listen to it.  As the holidays approach it is a great time to give some conscious thought to your family traditions and celebrations.  Are your celebrations in alignment with what is important to you and your family?  If you are ready to make the Holy days a celebration of who you are, here are some questions that will help.
1) What do the holidays mean to you personally?  
2) What are your favorite traditions past and present?
3) What foods and activities are nourishing to your Spirit?
4)  What have you done in the past that no longer feels like a fit?  What holiday issues may be repeating patterns?
5)  What small thing would make this year really special to you?

Write down all of your answers.  Invite each person in your family to do the same.  Have a conversation about what you would like to create.  This may require some negotiating, but do a little bit at a time.  Be open to hearing what is important to each other and be willing to honor your loved ones intentions.  After you write it all down, choose one or two small actions that you would like to change this year.  Then take the list put it in an envelope and staple it to your calendar for October 2012.
Keep the conversation going.  Get to know each other in a deeper way.  There is no greater gift than presence.