The holiday season isn't about the gift wrap.

     Leapfrog for MS was created two years ago just because I wanted to promote the Bike To The Bay, and raise awareness about MS.  However, all the people I've met along the way have made me the one who became aware; aware that so many people deal with challenges every day, and something as simple as riding a bike isn't going to fix them.

     Most people think of the holidays as the time to show our friends and family how much we care about them, by baking the tastiest cookies, and planning an awesome holiday party, with the most amazing decorations, and shopping for the perfect gifts; all beautifully wrapped.
                                       
Of course you know Christmas is pink too:)

     But what ends up happening is we all become frazzled and in a panic to try to beat that deadline that comes and goes in the blink of an eye; and we forget the real meaning of the season.

     I'm sure it's an ongoing thing, but for some reason, I feel like this year I'm running into a lot more people struggling with the "holiday blues".  This doesn't make sense; the holidays are supposed to make you happy.  Maybe it's the whole lack of daylight theory that has so many down, or maybe it's just being overwhelmed by how much there is to do to make it a "perfect" holiday, or it could even be that people see others around them making it all look effortless and yet they feel like the weight of the world is on them.

     But the one thing that has become apparent is none of us has it totally figured out; however, if someone does, please let me in on the secret;)  I don't claim to be Albert Einstein (though first thing in the morning we may share the same do...)  

     But I do know that sometimes the best holiday gift you can give a person is your ear; of course, keep in mind that this gift should be valid year round.  

     I've decided to make a special effort this year and reach out to people, even if they look like they have everything under control, and if they do, then I'll take notes:)  An invitation to grab coffee could end up being a game changer for that one person struggling to find that Christmas Spirit, and ironically, I usually end up gaining something as well. Something as simple as messaging someone and asking them how their day is going is huge.  And a few seconds of idol chit chat after making eye contact with a stranger is priceless.

     With all of the challenges in this world I have a simple challenge for you. In the next few days reach out to someone you've lost touch with or haven't been in touch with lately, and invite them out for coffee or simply send them a message, asking how they're doing.  You just might hit that one person who really needs it:)

         You can have all the lights and candy canes you want; however, on Christmas day that pile of presents ends up being a mound of gift wrap strewed all over the floor. But in the end... none of that really matters... because good will can't be gift wrapped:)

Have a great weekend!!

Christine:)