Happiness is a matter of perspective!
As the Christmas season draws near and Hanukah passes I’m thinking about holiday spirit and what makes someone truly happy.
I’d say we’re pretty happy. And we’re very thankful for what we have.
Our family has two kids with special needs, one unique toddler, and baby #4 due sometime in the New Year. So we’re a busy family, but we’re a happy one. Some would say we have more than our share of stressors – two major special needs, the endless challenges and rounds of appointments that go with that. But we’re still happy.
And yes, Hubby and I bicker at each other (usually over household chores, with futile promises to stop fighting in front of the kids) enough for our toddler to say ‘stop arguing!’ (He learned that one from his older brother;-)
FYI – I’m writing this post because I have insomnia and don’t want to face the mountain of dirty dishes leftover from last night. But I’m happy we had an excellent meal and enough food on the table. And I’m happy that our evening was spent with the kids, instead of doing dishes.
And yes, we have days where I want to lock the kids / myself up. But I still love them and we go to bed exhausted, but happy, most days.
We don’t have tons of ‘stuff’ – the latest and greatest toys and gadgets that so many households seem to accumulate. But what we do have we use or value. Most days, as I trip over Lego pieces or baby dolls, I would say we have too much.
We don’t have a big house, in fact the three kids love sharing a bedroom with each other. (Sharing a bathroom is a whole other story;-) We do however have enough space to spread out and the kids love having their own playroom.
But what we do have, we really appreciate. And most of what we enjoy are non-tangible items anyway – friends, family, community. As a family our focus is on doing things – going outdoors, joining activities – rather than dwelling on the stuff of life.
At a time of year where people are wrapped in a frenzy of consumerism or super stressed about chasing perfection, I say make a choice. Look for things that make you happy. Let go of the stuff that doesn’t. And if you truly appreciate what you have, you will be happy.
It’s pretty simple.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Please see Lazy Hippie Mama’s You Need to Go Out of Your Head for excellent advice on enjoying this holiday season.
What makes you happy during the holiday season?