The holidays are here again. Doesn’t it seem like we just ended last year’s holiday season? This time of year brings mixed emotions. For some it’s joyous, fun, and love filled. For others it’s painful, lonely and difficult. It’s been a challenging year for many so for them, the holidays may be a welcome reprieve or an unwelcome obligation.

If you are one who loves the holidays, share your joy. During the next few weeks, loving, caring energies are very prevalent so do your part to keep it going.

Reach out to those whom you know are struggling. Make a phone call, invite the person out for a special meal or coffee, drop a card in the mail. Smile at strangers everywhere you go. Be a little more understanding than usual. Give extra tips for service. Lend a helping hand. Have more patience especially when people are stressed and crazed this time of year.

If you are one who has a difficult time with the holidays, take extra care of yourself. Get a massage, take long, hot baths, drink warm soothing teas. Reach out to a friend to talk or spend a little time together. Say hello to your neighbor even if you never have spoken before.

Be of service to those less fortunate. Smile at strangers everywhere you go. You may need to dig deep during this time but every little bit of effort will lift your spirits and shift your energy. You may live alone or may have little to no family but you are not alone. Look around you and see community. It is there!

However you feel about the holidays, harness the energies of this magical time for healing, loving, sharing and peace for yourself and others. This can truly be the most wonderful time of the year and an opportunity to set the stage for a bright 2011!