For as long as I can remember (after learning the true identity of Santa Claus, of course) I have felt some apprehension in the approaching holiday season. One reason for this is that my birthday, December 30, is conveniently located in the cold, dark shadow of the festivities. Many times as a child, I'd get a single gift, meant to cover all the bases. And most of my friends were away for the holidays...

But, enough about my childhood scars.

More recently, this pre-holiday gloom can be attributed to a number of things: the marketing hype, the expectations that go along with the season, all the way through to New Year's Eve, the traffic, the crowds and all those people who, because of these things, are not exactly being "of good cheer." However, a few days ago, my friend Jon--another holiday birthday child, (yes, there is a support group) said something to me that turned it all around...

“Do what I do,” he told me after I had told him of my ‘issue’. “Start celebrating your birthday a month in advance.”

There was a long silence on the line.  Can I really do that, I thought?  (this shouldn’t surprise any of my fellow Capricorns that I questioned this--whereas, the Leos among you probably have been doing it this way for years!)

But then, I really began to get with the program.  Yeah, I thought, this would encompass the whole holiday season and it would certainly make it much more enjoyable for me, if I actually made it a point to celebrate.

So, beginning on November 30, I am celebrating!

And what, you might ask, would this have to do with you--particularly those of you who were not taken home from the hospital in a large Christmas stocking?  Well, I suspect that among you, there may be a few secret (and not-so-secret) holiday-phobes...And even if you’re not, I’ve found that making a commitment to celebrate a thing adds even more joy and appreciation to your experience.

So, why not go the extra mile, just for the joy of it.  Maybe do the traditional thing you don’t do, such as putting up decorations.  Or take a homemade pie to the gathering--but only if it would give you joy to do so.

Those of you who know me know that I am not advocating going overboard in response to expectations (whether real or imagined) or knocking yourself out trying to have the “perfect” holiday party, or blowing your budget to buy gifts. 

What I am talking about is experiencing joy, and by so doing, sharing your joy with those around you.

So many people are not in the moment this time of year, for a myriad of reasons I’ve already mentioned.  Yet, you can be.  And if you are completely present, the person sitting next to you will either have to join you in that moment, or go in the other room to grumble.  Either way is fine.

And celebration is a very good way to remain in the flow of all the good that you’ve asked the Universe (or Santa Claus, it’s all just your higher consciousness anyway) for this year!  Think:  Law of Attraction.  Here is something interesting to ponder:  Celebration is taking gratitude to a whole new level!

Whatever you’re celebrating, have a wonderful holiday season!