Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 11:00:46

Holy Days, Not Just Holidays

My house is a mess, my Christmas cards are not done, not to mention my Christmas gifts, and I only have a few days of shopping left to finish it off. Like my daughter, I love decorating the tree, listening to Christmas music and baking treats, but usually end up feeling overwhelmed somewhere along the way.

I think I’m there.

This time of year brings great joy as well as great stress. There is often too much to do, too much to eat, too much to drink, too little sleep and too much family. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday frenzy and forget the meaning and value behind the holidays — the holy days.

It’s time to take a break.

Last week, my children’s holiday program at school, “Light One Candle,” reminded me of the importance of delving deeper into the spirit of the season rather than focusing on the holiday. The introduction by the head of school reminded the audience of the importance of the school’s Judeo-Christian heritage, whose values are foundational to the school. He reflected that these values cannot be transplanted but can only be grown.