The holidays are upon us. Here in the US, that means lots of rampant commercialism. I often get sucked into that -- trying to backfill the holes in my heart with shopping (which never works.) But that isn't the subject of this video. Even for the healthiest among us, holidays aren't what they're cracked up to be. For most, the holidays include baggage; more so for those of us with chronic pain and illness. This is up for me again. Last week week was my most cherished holiday event. I look forward to it all year long. I didn't record last week and I *didn't* get to get to go to the holiday party because I got a kidney stone. (An experience I DON'T recommend!) I'm in a funk from missing it, but that's part of living with chronic conditions. Scraping ourselves up *again* after these disappointments. So, I'm making this video for you (and for me) in the wake of this loss about how to make holidays that matter. Watch a favorite (holiday?) movie. Invite a friend to watch it with you: in person or virtually. Maybe there's a recipe you can make to enjoy. Perhaps a friend to could do some of the work if the recipe is too much for you. Decorate a gingerbread house (or several miniature ones) Create a holiday display over the course of several days. Set your sights on a big event a look forward to it. DON'T forget yourself. You are not these illnesses. You are someone who deserves holiday cheer, in whatever way is meaningful and special to YOU. What lights you up? Aim there. When you can't participate in your cousins' holiday gathering doesn't happen, what else can put in place to look forward to? It is very important to have things to look forward to. Let's seek out our next meaningful bit of holiday comfort and joy. Have you had kidney stones? What will you be doing for holiday cheer? I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness. Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.