This is the first post in a 8 part series around truly enJOYing the holiday season.

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Someone posted this on Facebook today and it made me VERY happy:

It’s about time, ya’ll.

As you eat the last of the Halloween candy and start making hand turkeys, consider setting an intention for your holiday season.

A whaaaaat?

“An intention is not a goal. It’s more the context in which the goals happen. It’s a reminder of the mind, spirit or attitude we want to focus on during a given period, be it a day, week, month or just the next hour. We all know that the holidays will come and go. Shopping, cooking, gift-wrapping and entertaining will be done. We will at times feel rushed, lose our patience, want to run away to an island at some point during the madness. BUT, and it is a big BUT, we get to choose the spirit in which those things happen. And that is what I mean by setting an intention.” -Betty Mahalik, Life Coach

Here are some examples…

“Connection—Setting this intention might mean re-connecting with someone you’ve lost touch with, or finding a way to deepen the connection (without huge emotional attachment) to those you’re in contact with regularly. It could even mean actually looking into the eyes of that harried store clerk or the Salvation Army bell-ringer and saying a sincere “thank you.”

Generosity—Setting this intention may look like foregoing those extra stocking-stuffers for family and sharing with those who are less fortunate. No shortage of opportunities for generosity.

Peace—Perhaps it will be your intention to bring a spirit of peace and calm to your holiday activities and interactions.

Patience—Creating an intention to practice patience could transform how you respond to the many irritations and delays (standing in line at a store, waiting in traffic, listening to Uncle Fred tell the same jokes he’s told forever). There is something beautiful about patience and restraint.

Presence—Finding a way to be fully present could actually be a present—as in a gift—to those you love and touch this season. Will this be your holiday intention?

Simplicity—Setting this as an intention may have you re-thinking your whole approach to holiday decorating, gift-giving and the entire season in general. Hmmm….”

Then, when your Pinterest inspired butter turkey sculpture is unrecognizable, the Christmas tree dies before December 25 and your New Years Eve planning starts requiring an assistant to sort the details, remember your intention. If it doesn’t fit into your determined holiday spirit – don’t do it! It’s really that simple.

And it’s my personal belief that this cider should fit into everyone’s seasonal intention…

Description: Sweet and spicy {another option for your holiday intention} and the perfect compliment to any holiday inspired meal!

Burning Apple Orchard Cider

Ingredients:

Drink –
1 1/2 cup apple cider
1 shot Fireball

Rim –
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. cloves

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients for sugar rim. In two identical bowls, fill one with water and the other with mixture.
2. Take glass and dip rim into water then the sugar mix.
3. Add ingredients for cocktail and stir.
4. Optional: Add apple slice and cinnamon stick for decoration!

“Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame.”

-Henry David Thoreau

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