Katie Salidas: Happy Holidays! Here is my Gift to you!

Happy Holidays to all my favorite readers! This time of year is hard on many of us, and we muster through it as best we can, making sure that we take care of those around us. It's a time for feasts to prepare, presents to wrap, traditions to uphold, and all other manner of stresses. We wrap it up in a pretty package, putting a smile on our face, because we don't want others to know how much we are struggling. I see you. I am you. And I want you to know.

You are doing a great job!!

This year has been such a roller coaster I could hardly believe it was already December. And of course that meant the month was booked solid with Christmas traditions to uphold. I have three kids, they all have expectations: Santa, lights, ugly sweaters, school Christmas parties, cookies to bake. You name it, we do it, all to make sure their Christmas is a magical one. Every year I feel the pressure because they are only young for so long and they deserve to have a wonderful Christmas. But it's worth it.

I was reminded this morning, by my children no less, that Santa may be the star of the season, but what he represents is the important part. As they argued who he is and what he does (my second grader has been learning about Christmas in other countries), the truth came out.

Santa represents the spirit of the season.

Christmas, in the secular sense, is all about showing others you care. Taking the time to think of others, do things for others, and make sure they know that they are loved. Think about it. Why do we buy presents? Not for ourselves. We buy things for people we love. We give gifts to people we see or interact with on a regular basis. We bake cookies and treats. We send gifts to our kids teachers. We thank the garbage collectors, mail carrier, etc.... It's all done to show others that you appreciate them. To make others feel loved and respected. Santa is face we see during this season, but really, we are all Santa. During this season, we embody that spirit of love, respect, and sharing.

It's a rough season to get through, but making others happy, and focusing on their needs has helped me. And with that said, I want you all to know that I appreciate you. Thank you for being here, reading my work, and continuing to support me.

Happy Holidays!

Here is my Gift to you!