Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Even though I was raised Jewish and Episcopalian, both of my parents embodied the true mystical spirit of the holiday and still do. They always created the most magical memories and experiences during Christmas time and truly fed my imagination so that I would grow up forever believing in Santa and the mystery and magic that is Mr. Claus.
Til this day, I still believe in the magic of the Christmas spirit. I believe in the unseen, the reindeer, the sleigh, the North Pole, the elves, Santa and the fairytale. My name, "Natalie," actually means "Christmas." So maybe that's why my soul is so connected to the holiday spirit. For me, It's truly the most magical time of all.
But even during such a special time, there are those who aren’t in a place to feel the holiday cheer. For many, it's a time filled with sadness and anxiety. It can be a time of year that tugs at the heart strings. It can be a time of year that's hard to put a smile on your face. Maybe you feel alone, or are alone. Have been affected by one of the Hurricanes that hit this year and are struggling to get back on your feet. Maybe you've been devastated by the recent fires in California. Or maybe, you're experiencing the loss of a loved one, reflecting on memories of those who are no longer here. Maybe you're going through heartache, are overwhelmed with stress, have loved ones who can't be with you. Or you're going through a breakup. Or maybe you're overwhelmed because you have to get someone the perfect gift, or have to buy and spend money that you can't afford to spend. Any all of these situations can create extreme stress, anxiety, sadness and pressure and leave you feeling completely disconnected to the Christmas spirit.
My hope, is that if you're one of the ones struggling over the holiday, that you remember that you’re not alone. Maybe turn on your favorite Christmas movie (The Polar Express always does the trick for me), light some candles and turn on your favorite Christmas music, look at your tree and remember the days of innocence, when life was easier and you believed. Write Santa a letter like you did when you were a child, drive around town and look at Christmas lights. Bake your favorite goodies, or sip on our favorite cup of hot tea or egg nog. Go easy on yourself and breathe. Some years are heavier than others, and that’s okay. My wish for you is that somewhere in the darkness you can feel the warmth of the light. It is there. And I hope you get the love and hugs that you need and I hope all your Christmas dreams end up coming true.
And if you're one of the lucky ones, enjoying the Christmas spirit, I hope you remember to share that spirit and love with those around you. With the strangers in the street, at the grocery store and anywhere you meet. We never know what people are going through. During this time of year, there are some that are hurting and really need that extra dose of love and compassion and it’s our human responsibility and the true Christmas spirit to give presence, to share love and uplift those in need.
So, from my younger self to you and all your family and loved ones, I hope that your holiday is filled with love, cheer and all things good for the soul. I hope you enjoy my Christmas Spotify Playlist of some of my favorite Christmas songs. Songs that bring me back to my innocence. Songs that bring me back to the holiday spirit, that remind me of times when my grandparents were still alive and when all seemed right the the world. Songs that my parents played when they were still married. Songs that mean so much to me. And more. I hope they light up your heart and bring a smile to your face. Merry Christmas and remember, “seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.” Listen for the bell and believe.
XMAS PLAYLIST (click to play me)
