10 tidings of
holiday Comfort and joy
by Colette Lafia
criticism. Walk over to a relative, sit down, and ease
into a nourishing conversation, even it’s just about
the weather or the food.
1
Bring the gift of comfort to others by taking
time to listen.
This holiday season, anytime you enquire, “How are
you?”, take the time to really listen. Listening to
8
Discover the joys of gratitude.
Express gratitude, one of the best gifts of all,
another is a true gift of comfort in our busy world.
throughout the day. Give a sincere “Thank you,” to
those around you for their friendship or service; to a
colleague for helping with a project; to your partner
2
Give yourself a comfort break.
During this bustling season, it’s vital to slow
for packing your lunch; or to a child who brings you
down. Take a leisurely walk in the park, quietly
a holiday present she made in school.
meander through a museum or sit for a spell in a
café, sipping a warm beverage.
9
Let everyday routines be a continual source
of comfort.
During the holidays, it’s important to stay connected
3
Find simple ways to create a holiday feeling
at home.
with everyday comforts. Enjoy the pleasure of
A cozy and welcoming home brings the holiday
that first sip of coffee or tea. Snuggle into bed at
spirit to those who live there and everyone who
night with a good book. Take a warm and relaxing
visits. Fill the house with the aroma of freshly baked
bath. Notice the simple, daily rituals that bring you
cookies, the sound of cheerful relaxing music, or the
contentment and joy.
presence of a vase of flowers or bowl of fresh fruit.
10
Look for opportunities to help one another.
Be open and aware of others who may need a
4
Imagine a spirited thread connecting every
human being.
little encouragement or support during the holiday
Engaging with the web of life can provide endless
season. Call a friend to meet for coffee, offer a
joys. Rather than be tempted to consider others
helping hand to someone in need, donate extra
to be in our way, remember that we are the way.
clothes or blankets to a homeless shelter, or spend
Expressing a kind and helpful spirit uplifts us all.
an afternoon with kids making holiday cards.
The true spirit of the holiday season shows up and
5
Receive the presence of another person’s
tears.
shines forth in both the giving and receiving.
Many emotions bubble up around the holidays.
Accepting someone’s tears of regret or grief,
without judgment or interruption, is a healing gift.
Sometimes there’s nothing to figure out and no
fix is needed; a shoulder on which to rain tears is
Colette Lafia is the author
sufficient.
of Comfort and joy:
Simple ways to Care for
6
Give a present of physical comfort and joy.
Ourselves and Others.
Make use of the five senses. Give gifts to touch,
She has a San Francisco-
smell and taste: a soft sweater, lavender bubble bath,
based spiritual direction
CD of favorite music, new journal, or flavored jar of
practice and trained with
honey.
the Spiritual Directors’
Institute in Mercy Center,
7
Enjoy the ease of being with family.
CA. Connect at
ColetteLafia.com.
When you gather with family, let the comfort
of togetherness be stronger than any judgment or
December 2008 39
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