It’s the Holiday season – Hoop De Do!

I have been struggling to get into the Holiday season this year. The tree is up, but ornaments seem to be very slow going. Presents are bought, but only a few wrapped; and don’t even get me going on outdoor Christmas lights. Everything seems to take a mountain of effort. I’ve tried to remedy the situation with hours of Christmas music, taking a class on outdoor patio pot decorating, and a full day of the Hallmark Channel in which I just yelled at the television … it’s the same story over and over; you know you love each other. The UPS driver getting stuck in the driveway was the straw that broke the camel’s back. That’s it, done shopping.

Honestly, I don’t know what is wrong with me. Do I need some gingerbread-scented candles to bring me out of this funk? This is the first year without any of my children living at home. No one to shake the boxes under the tree or enjoy a cup of spiked hot chocolate in front of the fire. Kids bring joy to the season. Anticipation of Santa, and sledding in fresh snow. Without seeing the holidays through a child’s eyes, all I see is extra chores to be done and how crunched I am for time. This is the first time I remember feeling this way. It has to stop. Choosing JOY is a decision, not a given.

Here are the steps I plan to take to make sure I don’t let the Holiday Blues catch up with me.

Step One: Every morning, be Thankful. Make a plan to accomplish five things today. Choose JOY.

Step Two: GET OUT OF BED. Get dressed, and make my bed. That’s one thing done. And start my day with a cup of something warm and delicious.

Step Three: Call a friend or relative and only talk about happy things. Memories, plans, menus … anything, as long as it is JOYFUL.

Step Four: Light a candle that smells good. Vanilla, Cinnamon, Gingerbread … you name it. Get that olfactory glad going. Memories can be triggered by the smell of baking. Candles do the very same.

Step Five: Hug yourself. I know this one sounds silly but it works. Wrap your arms around tightly, close your eyes, and remember that you are important.

If all else fails, get in your car, turn the radio loud, and sing until you lose your voice. That always works for me. Hugs and Happiness to you!

Sandy

“So do it. Decide. Is this the life, you want to live? Is this the person you want to love? Is this the best you can be? Can you be stronger? Kinder? More compassionate? Decide. Breathe in. Breathe out. And decide.” Meredith Grey

Café Mocha In a Jar

1/2 cup instant coffee granules

2  2/3 cups non-fat dry milk powder

3/4 cup hot cocoa mix

1/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Place instant coffee granules in a food processor and process into a fine powder.

Stir ground instant coffee, milk powder, cocoa mix, creamer, and confectioners’ sugar together in a bowl until evenly mixed. Keep in an airtight container.

Hot Chocolate In a Jar

6 cups powdered milk

1 (5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix

1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix

1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine powdered milk, chocolate pudding mix, chocolate drink mix powder, creamer, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa. Divide the mixture between two 1-quart jars. Seal, and decorate as desired. These can be stored in a dry area for up to 3 months.

Attach a tag with the following instructions: Hot Cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup cocoa mix in 1 cup boiling water.

Friendship Tea In a Jar

1/2 cup instant tea powder

1 cup sweetened lemonade powder

1 cup orange-flavored drink mix (e.g., Tang)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

In a large bowl, combine instant tea, lemonade powder, orange drink mix, cinnamon, and clove. Mix well and store in an airtight container.

To serve, put 2 to 3 teaspoons of mix in a mug. Stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Adjust to taste.