THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 1994 TAG: 9412140491
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LT. MERRITT ALLEN, PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEDICAL CENTER
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
For many of us, the holidays can get so busy that we lose sight of why we're celebrating.
The crowded malls, the hot kitchen and the ever-shedding evergreen in your living room may occupy so much of your time that you forget to ``celebrate.'' This season, keep your inner health in mind as you begin your holiday preparations.
In this country, the Hanukkah/Christmas season is traditionally a family time, regardless of denomination. That can make the holidays especially tough for those of us in the military who are far from home. Even if you're lucky enough to be able to be with your family, holiday stress can take much of the joy out of the season. Remember, though, tradition is what you make it - and there are countless ways to create your own special holiday celebration.
The first thing you can do is look within your home and family to see how you can enrich your holiday experience. Look at your background - how did your parents or grandparents celebrate?
We are a nation of immigrants; do a little research to learn about the holiday traditions of your ancestors.
Celebrating St. Lucia's Day if you're Swedish or St. Nicholas' Day (forebear of our modern-day Santa Claus) if your family is from northern or eastern Europe can make your holiday season more personal as you celebrate your heritage. Many African Americans today celebrate Kwanzaa, a holiday celebration that centers on the family.
While you do your research, you may come upon a custom you like from another nationality - use it anyway! If it brings meaning to your celebration, it is your tradition, no matter where it came from.
Another thing you can do is reach out beyond your immediate home-family atmosphere to others - also a traditional holiday pastime. Outreach can take on many forms and be a group or single-person activity. It can be as simple as inviting that person with nowhere to go to join you for dinner, or as involved as a communal service effort at a shelter or soup kitchen.
The potential for your celebration is limitless, and not just restricted to family. If you are with your family, enjoy and appreciate and savor that. If not, get a group of people together and hold a caroling party, or a progressive dinner, or share a meal cooked in a communal kitchen.
This holiday season, add to your traditions. Prioritize your time. Instead of making an extra batch of cookies, or buying another gift, give a hug, or share a laugh, and give the gift of time to others. by CNB