It is the best of times and the worst of times

Today I'm celebrating a Merry Twisted Christmas!

Time is quickly running out to complete the Christmas to-do list. I must work in overdrive for the next few days in order to get everything done. To some, getting ready for the holidays and festivities seems like a pain. Often all the work, shopping, wrapping, packaging, shipping, decorating, baking, cleaning, and other chores are just too much. Bob Rivers released 12 Pains of Christmas, a popular parody on the 12 Days of Christmas in 1987. One of many music videos made to this song and posted on YouTube is provided below for you:

As posted on YouTube by robmiller99

The holidays are a time of stress for many. However, there are lots of resources available on the Web to help. Here are three examples:
The Mayo Clinic's 12 tips for coping with stress, depression and the holidays
WebMD's tips for Beating Holiday Stress
About.com's Holiday Stress Survival Kit

If all of the holiday activities are a pain to you and you just can't get to the peace and joy, then why not make some changes? Celebrate Christmas with a twist. My favorite tips are:

• Prioritize
  At times, it's just necessary to say "No" since often you can't do everything or you'll be overwhelmed. Prioritize what is important and meaningful to you and your family. Who says everything on the list MUST be done?
  
• Take some shortcuts when possible
  For example, Santa won't mind if his cookies were not made from scratch at all. There are lots of choices in the frigerator aisle at the grocery and basically all you need to do is break and bake them. Maybe a nice New Year's Day card is an alternative this year.
  
• Relax and breathe
  Take a breather and make a little time for yourself. Those few free minutes may make a huge difference.
  
• Forget about perfection
  Accept it in yourself and in others around you.
  
• Remember the reason for the season
  

For those who are filled with the joy and peace of the season, don't let the Grinches get you down. Give them a break too since you don't know what pain they may be experiencing. Here's a neat music video by Faith Hill singing Where Are You Christmas:

As posted on YouTube by lamp239

I hope that the holidays are the best of times, but not the worst of times in your family. I hope that your Christmas is merry and your joy is not twisted up due to stress. Why not put a different twist on things and give yourself and those around you a break? Today I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope that none of it is a pain to you at all!


Image credit: CaptainOT as posted on Amazon.com

Having a bad day?

Today I'm celebrating "Have a Bad Day Day!"

Today has been set aside as Have a Bad Day Day for those who shiver at being told to have a good day. As you meet these folks on this day you may be greeted with "Have a bad day!" instead of the usual, cordial greeting.

Almost everyone has a bad day every once in awhile. When having a bad day, some sing a sad song. Some retreat. Some watch a sad movie. Some read a sad story. Others try to spread their sadness to all they meet.

I've not heard it officially yet, but Daniel Powter's song Bad Day could possibly be the theme song of the day. Watch his music video or see him perform it live below:


As posted on YouTube by NicTwinS

So, you may ask, Why would someone who celebrates every day select such a day to observe? Walt Disney once said: "You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you." You've also heard the saying what does not kill us, makes us stronger. As shown in the featured pic from one of my favorite sports, you know you're having a bad day when you suddenly find your vehicle upside down mid-air while traveling >200 miles an hour. But, Dario Franchitti amazingly walked away from that incident this season! I've learned over these years that no matter how badly my day is going, I can generally think of someone who is in worst shape, someone with huge problems, that seem almost insurmountable. When I'm having a bad day, I try to remember some good advice that I've heard. (No, it's not the simple message, "Don't worry, be happy!") Rather, try to work up a smile, think a positive thought, and do something nice for someone else to turn things around. I created this blog as a way to ensure that I always look for the silver lining in every day --- to find something to celebrate and to share. I was reminded in my pastor's sermon this weekend that regardless of how badly I think things are, I'm not alone. I have the assurance and comfort and know that all is well and will work out in the end. So, yes, I'm celebrating the day -- by vowing to tell all I see to have a great day and being ready to share the source of my joy and hope.

Here's one of my favorites, It is Well, with a more contemporary edge by 4 Him:


As posted on YouTube by esmerd.
You can also hear the amazing story behind these lyrics and David Phelps with the Gaithers on YouTube.

Today, I choose to celebrate this observance by instead wishing that you have a "Great Day" and that you can share the great message of hope and peace to those observing this day. A challenge for you: choose to have a GREAT day and to be a comfort to someone that you know is having a bad day.


Image credit