No guilt with the gravy.
No Grinch allowed.
‘Tis the season to be thankful and joyous. What if, in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner or the Decking of the Halls, the Grinch shows up?
The Grinch takes on many looks during the holidays. He comes to steal your joy, ruffle the family feathers, and bring disappointment to the great expectations of having a Hallmark holiday.
If only families could sit around the dinner table without waiting in fear and trepidation for that one relative to voice a negative opinion or bring up a divisive subject. You can’t control people’s views, but you can remind them … we don’t serve politics, religion, or anything negative at my table. You can say it all with a smile. Others at the table will thank you later. By the way, if they get angry … Let Them.
To-do lists can wear the joy right out of us. So many fun events over the next six weeks can lead us to saying, “I’m tired of having fun.” I’m learning to do less and enjoy the season more. I control my calendar. It’s okay not to attend every wonderful event.
I love choosing the perfect gifts for our four children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. (On Nov. 12, we welcomed our first great-granddaughter, Navy Roe.)
It can be a bit overwhelming, so this year I asked the adult grandkids what they wanted. Everyone said, “Grandma, can you just give money?” We may have a new tradition … and less anxiety. I’ve found the cutest tiny gift bags and boxes to tuck a check into. Who knows, they may get a few baked cookies, as I will have extra time after writing checks.
We have a change this year for Thanksgiving. I asked our Indiana family if they would like to have Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. They all gave a resounding, “Yes!” You see, we have a blended and scrambled family. Yours, mine, ours, and theirs mean there are several places to go for dinner. Grandkids have to choose where and when to show up, eat enough but not too much, and stay long enough to make everyone happy. Talk about the stress.
Guess what? We can be thankful any day. My advice to those hosting any holiday dinners … Do not serve guilt with the gravy.
It was on a plane this past Wednesday, while reading a book (Ugh, I’d give it a one-star rating), that I started thinking about what gives me comfort and joy.
It’s when I slow down and truly live in the moment.
It’s sitting in the quiet and reading a Christmas novel. One of my favorites is by Fannie Flagg, A Redbird Christmas.
It’s watching a Christmas movie in the middle of the day while Chuck is golfing. (Yes, it’s cold and he’s still out golfing.) The Christmas Contract is a cute Netflix movie. It will predictably warm your heart. If at all possible, go to the theater to watch the Karen Kingsbury movie, The Christmas Ring. You will thank me. The scene with all the local real-life veterans may make your eyes leak.
It’s not even Thanksgiving and I’m already in the Christmas spirit. I’m listening to Christmas music, and my heart is feeling comfort and joy.
Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard
As for you and your family … you do you. Don’t get caught up in the expectations of others. The word “No” can bring you more comfort as well as joy. Erase the word ‘SHOULD’ from your thoughts. I should be doing this or that. The “shoulds” are the Grinch’s sneaky way of pouring poison into your comfort and joy bucket. I should be baking six different kinds of cookies. I should decorate like Martha Stewart. I should do everything myself and not ask for help.
I have another suggestion, actually two. Turn off the news. Stop scrolling. Social media tends to capture your thoughts and drown your joy with negativity. You don’t need to be reminded that we are living in The Twilight Zone. Every time you let a discouraging thought into your mind, you are allowing the Grinch to take up residence there. Evict him!
As I close my thoughts this week, I want to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving and may your comfort and joy bucket be filled to the brim.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.
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