Christmas time in Vancouver – it’s officially here! A nice layer of snow has covered the streets (which means that all the buses have stopped running, taxis are slowly lurking everywhere, and people have retreated into their homes – for now). Oh Vancouver, you’re never ready for this white stuff are ya!
This past week, as I anxiously applied for Seth’s internship, I was reminded that the holiday season provides a lot of different opportunities. The natural momentum of the holiday season is a great motivating force for everyone to get rid of their someday syndrome and get something done. All we need to do is take that opportunity and make it happen, right? Right!
The opportunity to donate - This has never been easier as you can give directly to a charity like United Way (either online or in person) or support a business that is giving a percentage of their sales to great causes (like Starbucks – believe it or not). Help make someone else’s season that much brighter.
The opportunity to be a kid again – When you watch the Santa Claus parade or meander through Stanley Park’s Bright Nights with hot choco in hand, you are filled with a sense of glee as the little ones run around you in awe and amazement by the colours and costumes. Imagine if we lived each day in such amazement!
The opportunity to surround yourself with great friends – Many people have at least a couple days off during the holidays (and if not, you still have the weekend!) so make the most of it. Decorate each other’s pads, host a party, cut down a tree together (I found a great place here), go ice skating, or bake some holiday goodies! Whatever it is, do it together.
The oportunity to remind someone you love them – Be it your family, your friends, a lost love, a friend you haven’t spoken to in years, or the person you’re dying to speak to – they will be delighted to know that you are thinking about them at this time of year.
The opportunity to finish – Unfinished projects, books, blog posts, and goals should stay in 2008. Ring in 2009 with a fresh new list of to dos!
The opportunity to change someone’s world – Never underestimate the power of a kind gesture, a quick phone call, or a smile to a passerby, especially at this time of year. It truly makes a world of difference.
The opportunities are endless to laugh, to make music, to celebrate the reason for the season, to create new traditions, and to be happy this holiday season. Take some time now to determine what opportunities are presenting themselves to YOU this year. Now, take some time to take them!
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