Dear Happiness,

The holidays can be a tricky time. For some it is a season filled with joy and happiness, friends and family. For others it is a season of loneliness and sadness, frustration and disappointment.  Over the years I have received some advice that will not only help you be merry during the holidays, but that you can use well into the New Year. You must be flexible. Having rigid expectations of how things should be will just lead to disappointment. Resolve to have a good time and help others do the same. As bad as it sounds, family can sometimes be toxic. If this is the case for you, include friends into the festivities. Altering the way you do things can help you get out of ruts. Don’t judge. Live and let live! Give without strings attached. KINDNESS should be your only goal and reward. Also, know that it is ok to have some personal time. It can be tough in the midst of all the holiday events, but happy people take their “me” time. And finally, share your spirit! Projecting joy and happiness will not only make you feel good, but will also brighten someone else’s day!

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.  

- Elizabeth Kubler Ross