Are you a Grinch?

One of my Zaadzy friends asked the question about whether or not his quest for a quiet holiday made him a Grinch? My reply to him might be helpful to others, so I'm pulling into my blog for further food for thought. There is nothing wrong with wanting quiet time. I think that quiet time is in ever increasingly short supply. I often think that the first step is that you have to turn the television OFF, (even the football) to let the quiet IN. Hmm, as for the basis of your question, "Are you a Grinch?". In my opinion you are only a Grinch if you are actively trying to prevent OTHER people from enjoying Christmas. Stuffing the tree up the chimney, etc. You don't do that... do you? I recently met a Buddhist nun who celebrates Christmas with her family because she likes "anything with presents!" I don't see much of a contradiction there. There are "perfections" in Buddhism, and my understanding is that generosity or giving is considered the most important -- the beginning place. Where, even if you can't give something, you can imagine giving it, and that plants the seed where you may eventually be able to give it. To avoid being Grinchy, I think you need to recognize that the kindness and inclusion offered by your friends family and colleagues are also in short supply. Here's some food for thought for approaching the holidays. What three things do you like about the holiday season that are NOT a pain in the butt to do? Make a point to do those. (Example: I like a door wreath, I like cooking a special meal or cookies, I like watching Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" with Alistair Sim.) What three things do you want to avoid? (Example: I want to avoid the Little Drummer Boy like the rum pum plague, I want to avoid busting the budget, I want to avoid hurting anyone's feelings) What three things are most important to someone you love who does celebrate Christmas? (Example: Stuart wants to give presents to his family. My mom wants to wrap presents together. My sister likes to do "cloved oranges" and things that smell lovely...) I can do those things with a glad heart, and help them to enjoy those things. Everything else is completely optional. I hope that you enjoy the best that the season has to offer you with those near and dear to you. Namaste! :-)