My dear friends, we love you so very much,

As so many of you embark upon your holiday preparations, remember that your life, even at this busy time of year, can be easy, joyful, graceful, and fun. Furthermore, if you allow yourself such joy in the moment, then the next will be even better. 

Can you buy your holiday presents with joy? If not, skip the shopping and write love letters to your loved ones, make something for them, or offer them some help. Can you decorate with joy? If not enjoy the decorations that others love to share. Can you write your holiday cards with joy? If not, call, send emails, pray.

Dear ones you are under no obligation to anyone upon this earth whatsoever, no matter what you – or they – believe. Your singular obligation is to the Divine Presence within you, to your heart of hearts. The Presence of Love that gives you life wants you to love your life, and it knows that in allowing yourself to honor your own heart you will, by your very loving nature, care about the hearts of others as well.

In filling your own cup, you desire to spill it over. By giving yourself the time you need to find peace, you bring peace to others. By honoring your own finances, you will give gifts that have meaning rather than just "buying to buy." Those of you who have children will become better parents if you honor your own heart. Those of you who teach will share by example. Those of you who take care of others will come with a loving, compassionate presence if you share compassion with yourself first.

So this holiday season, ask yourself, "What gives me joy?" "What is truly in my heart?" "Which traditions resonate with me this year and which do not?" "Which gatherings do I truly feel like attending?" Be honest with yourself. And then be kindly, lovingly, honest with others. This dear ones, is Love – an authentic sharing of the Christ-light and Presence within your own authentic hearts.

God Bless You! We love you so very much. 
-- The Angels

Hi Everyone,

I am a little Christmas crazy. I love the season. The decorations are up. Thanksgiving dinner was half prepped a week before. My hot cider is spiced with cinnamon and cloves and I've already been watching the Hallmark holiday channel late at night. 

However, this year, unlike Christmases past, I am slowing down when I do the holiday activities and making sure I enjoy them. I'm not rushing through the to-do list. I'm being present with myself and doing things I truly feel like doing when I feel like doing them. Of course, as a result, I'm getting more accomplished! The house was decorated before I bought the turkey. The cards may or may not get done. Shopping isn't as exciting right at present, so I'm not sure how much I'll do.

Echoes of the angels' words are in my head at all times. "If you're not enjoying it, don't do it." Every time I get sucked into "I have to," I remind myself, "I choose to..." I strolled slowly through Costco before Thanksgiving, enjoying samples, and smiling at frenzied shoppers, and sharing recipes in the checkout line. I put up the outdoor lights on a sunny warm day when climbing the ladder was actually fun. (For a short girl, you get a whole different view of the neighborhood!). I cooked my 12 course Thanksgiving meal over the course of a week to spread it out and make it fun.

It is easy to lose sight of the fact that the season is all about love. Loving life. Loving ourselves. Loving those dear to us, and loving total strangers too... The key is and always will be, choosing love in each moment. The Christ-light is there for all of us, all the time. No matter what our beliefs, the Divine is there, waiting for us to feel the bliss of an immense love in every single moment.

Here are some pointers to help you enjoy the holiday season...

1. If you're not enjoying it, don't do it

The angels constantly remind me of this. Of course I countered with the obvious... "What if I have to do something, like clean up after work, or do accounting?" They smiled at me. "Focus on love then," they answer. "Why are you doing those things?" "Because I love my work and love helping people." "Focus on that." Now I see such chores as an act of love with a higher purpose.

Likewise the holidays bring many expectations. Try to be as authentic as possible and if you feel you must do something you don't really love, focus on the higher and happier reason you are doing it. 

2. Share love and kindness wherever you go

Love and kindness are the real gifts of the season. They bless both giver and receiver. 

A gentleman helped me back my car out in a crowded parking lot the other day. He made my day. I chatted with an elderly man who was waiting for his wife in the grocery store, and made his. A clerk in the store helped me find the missing green beans, and when I joked that he saved my Thanksgiving dinner, his playful smile lit up my day!

We crave kind personal interactions in an era where technology often distracts us from interacting face to face. Allow your kindness to bless others, even as you allow theirs to bless you.

3. Be honest... with yourself and others.

If you can't afford extravagant presents, be honest and give what matters. If you feel like changing traditions, start a new one. If you're not feeling terribly social politely decline invitations.

By honoring the truth within you, you honor everyone else with your true Light and Presence.

This season can get very busy but it can also be a time to master some profound spiritual skills. Drop into the present, be true to you, and focus on the joy... Happy Holiday Season!

Love you all! 
Ann