What The Season Is Really About

--

As we head into the busy holiday season, we know how hectic life can get.  The shopping and planning never seems to end as we make mad dashes around town picking up gifts and food and everything else under the winter sun. 

Every year, from Black Friday to Boxing Day, there is a constant cycle of sales and promotions on almost every product, in every store and on every website, designed to make you buy more, spend more…the pace is hectic and frenetic at best…go, go, go, spend, spend, spend!  Our consumerism is on full display at this time of year. 

Shades readers, we want you to stop for just a second and remember what this time is really about.  Of course, we encourage gift giving but this time of year is really and truly about the relationships we have with our friends and our families.  Spending time with each other is a priceless commodity that no amount of money can compensate for and giving expensive gifts will not repair fractures or wounds that are existing in the relationships you have today. 

So as you dive into the season, take a minute and take stock of your relationships.  Is there tension between you and a sibling?  Unspoken words between you and a friend?  Is there anyone with whom you wish you were spending more time?  Facing some of these questions is not an easy task but if you really dig deep, you may make decisions that will improve those relationships in your life. 

So Shades readers, remember to focus on the time you are spending with those around you during the season and we wish for you some nice gifts, good food and great relationships!