Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, or how you honor it, there’s no denying that this is an emotionally charged time of year. It seems as if we either remind ourselves how grateful we are for all the people we love, or we remember how much it hurts that we don’t have people like that in our lives.We either celebrate all our blessings, or we look toward the year to come, wondering if we’ll have more then. You may find yourself reflecting on last Christmas in awe of how much has changed for the better in just one year’s time-or not. We all experience the holiday season in many different ways over the course of our lives. Whatever your unique situation this year—whether you’re in a growth cycle or working through feelings of loss—you have a lot to give and receive. Today allow yourself to receive the gifts of connection, to receive opportunities for growth and learning and the freedom to choose how to experience this holiday. Then give yourself the gifts of forgiveness, acceptance, appreciation and love. Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Today, untie the ribbons and receive your blessings. Merry Christmas!

Just for today, I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now. I love and accept every part of myself, inside and out, exactly as I am.I look for the beauty in everything and everyone. I take a moment to count all my blessings. I share my love and holiday joy with everyone I meet. Life is good. And everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.