Let me remind you of something now that you're an adult.

Close your eyes and try to bring up 3-5 of the very best memories of your childhood. How many of those memories involved the holidays? Or, perhaps, how many include an extended family gathering? What about a party of some sort? Do you recall, like I do, certain Christmas surprises? Do you have scenes in your head that are 20 years old of you fighting over a new truck with your brother? Do you remember your mother hosting a Christmas gathering in what you were sure was a dress fit for a princess? Do you have images of waiting in line for St. Nick in an echoing, jostling mall?

My point is this: it's not just a cliche, and it's not suddenly untrue just because the world is a-changing- the holidays are indeed a very magical, special time. These weeks, this season coming up is the stuff that our souls are made of: memories mingled with family, friends, siblings, feasts, music and parties.



Every person you meet this Christmas may not be there next year. Every person you toast with is someone who came into your life for a reason, and fills some need in you. Every child you come across will be a human who is not yet jaded, who has not yet had their fill of wrapping paper and cooking and soggy boots in the snow, and who has no clue that the world is (supposedly) spinning off its axis.

The holidays are a season for the soul. Your inner workings need this time of year to reach out, reconnect, and remember who you are, where you come from and with whom you're going forward. Taking care of your body and your mind will do only so much for you. This season, as you circumnavigate fried buffets and resolve to get up at 5am for that new exercise routine, also be careful and conscious of that other part of your health- be sure to take good care of your soul.