What's wrong with this picture? Everyone is going somewhere except me! Whatever the reason you can't get away, take a vacation where no one else can go but you - your own mind.
If you're in a metropolitan area, the choices are limitless. Concerts, museums, shopping, the zoo. However, I grew up in an area where none of these choices existed. Where does one go in the middle of nowhere? The local library is always nice, especially if you've been stressed. It's quiet and you can lounge on a sofa and read a good book or just get caught up on newspapers or magazines. Also many libraries have wonderful programs where people show slides and give a presentation of places they've gone, so you can live vicariously through their trips.
Weather permitting, a brisk walk for invigoration or a leisurely stroll to breathe deeply and enjoy the trees and the leaves is nice. Or if you're like me, and let's me honest, you can be nosy and peak at how everyone has done their yards and get ideas for future landscaping or decorating. If their drapes are open, you can see how your neighbors have decorated inside!
Churches have many wonderful programs such as plays or concerts. Some churches also have women's ministries that offer advent programs to prepare mentally on how to enjoy the true spirit of the season in the midst of chaos.
My favorite activity will always be a movie. From the time I was a kid watching "Bed Nobs and Broomsticks," or "The Incredible Mr. Limpet," I was fascinated of magical places to go. Movies are a wonderful escape tactic.
For lack of time or my shortened attention span, it is sometimes difficult to concentrate on an entire book. So grab a Reader's Digest and laugh at the funny stories or a Chicken Soup for the Soul book or take a moment to read the Christmas story in the Bible during advent season. Churches also have small devotionals for free or Christian bookstores have wonderful choices of devotionals that are short, easy to read, but you walk away feeling inspired and refreshed.
Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, enjoy that moment to the fullest. Feel blessed to be observing whatever it is that catches your eye. Don't let the green-eyed monster steal your soul by envying someone else's plans. Even if you have to work during a holiday, then let your mind reflect on moments of joy of seasons past to carry you through that day. Especially for those of you who work at a hospital or similar institutions where work doesn't stop due to a holiday, know that families appreciate what you're doing for their loved ones.
Breathe in, breathe out, enjoy your holidays wherever you are!
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