Something to Think About During the Holidays

Well, another Christmas is coming and you and I have seen many of them. This year it is extra special for my family and I want to share something I have learned because of it.

In case you don't know, my Dad is fighting cancer. He is not winning. However, we are making all the time we have with him count.

One of the ways we are doing it is honoring him while he can enjoy it. And this is a gift you can give to your parents or older family members too. My Dad is an Episcopal priest and this year was his 50th anniversary, so we threw him a party with his most cherished friends around him and at his last church. They renamed the parish hall in his name, which is darn cool!

Then he was thrown a "white helmet" ceremony at the local fire hall. My dad had been the NJ State Fire Chaplain for years and chaplain at the local fire station. He was honored for his service and officially retired. All this was quite moving and Dad felt like his life meant something.

You can treat Christmas the same. Will all of your family be there? Everyone your parents cherish? Invite them! make it a thank you for all of their work to make you a better person and raising you.

Take this opportunity to plan something for after the holidays. If you have, God forbid, someone in your life who is in terminally ill health, celebrate them and thank them now. Say the things you've always wanted to.

I always wondered why we honored celebrities only after they passed on. It doesn't make sense. Since my family is more important than any celebrity, I am taking the time to learn to not waste an opportunity.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.