I have always loved the Fall holidays. Starting in October we have a cool holiday each month. Halloween, Thanksgiving and then the grand puba of holidays: Christmas! It's such a fun, special, homey time of year. I think of the smell of turkey baking in the oven, the crunch of leaves under my feet, the cool, crisp air of Autumn, and family and friend get togethers. Who could not love this time of year?

Well, I can understand those who don't either. Some people don't have a lot of friends or family to hang out with. This is a very lonely time of year for them. It seems like everyone is with their loved ones except them. My heart goes out to them. I know I have felt lonely in the past, even though I do have kids and extended family nearby.

Some others, who are on a strict budget, worry about all the money that you feel you have to spend this time of year. Specially if you have kids. You don't want to disappoint your little ones. And what about all those other people who you feel obligated to buy a gift for? And all the special food, decorations, etc. I have a feeling the expense of the holidays will be more of a concern this year for a lot of people than it has in the recent past.

Then there are those who are involved in retail or specialize in Christmas items (like me). We are so busy just trying to keep up with our businesses or jobs, it's hard to deal with all the other stuff of the holidays, no matter how wonderful it is.

So what's the answer? Have a ban on all holidays? Heavens no! Life would just not be the same without them, would they?

There are things we can do to make the holidays easier if we think about it.

* Plan ahead of time.
* Purchase gifts through out the year.
* Make whatever food items ahead of time that you can and freeze.
* Delegate chores.
* If you have a craft business like mine, stock up on your inventory through out the year so you will be ready for the onslaught.
* If you are lonely, reach out to others in the same situation. If you look around, you will find lots of lonely people around you.
* If nothing else, you can volunteer at a shelter. You would be surprised at how your own problems disappear when you are helping someone else.