The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year! However, as much as I love the holiday season, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it is difficult not to feel a little frazzled as well. I tend to overexert myself while trying to create unforgettable experiences for my loved ones and this of course can cause one to cross over the line between joyful holiday celebrations and obligatory activities. It is not easy to find a balance, but it is important to separate a sense of obligation from our desired experiences for this festive (though hectic) time of year.
With holiday parties, caroling, community events, gift wrapping, shopping, toy drives, family gatherings, special worship services and the like, it is hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season! After all, everything individually is enjoyable. However, when you heap it all together in one month, the joy fades away and you are left with stress.
So, should we boycott the holidays this year? Absolutely not! Instead, embrace the season. Spend time with family and friends and focus on a handful of experiences that bring joy to your holiday season. And when a commitment arises that feels more like an obligation than a celebration of the season, kindly decline. The holidays should be a time for you to focus on what matters most to you.0-




As a child, I found few things to be more exciting than Christmas. And, I can honestly say that this same level of enthusiasm for the holiday season still exists in my adult life. I love cutting down our Christmas tree, collecting ornaments, decorating the house, singing carols, baking holiday treats for friends, sending cards, writing our annual letter to friends and family, seeing the hustle and bustle everywhere you look, gathering with family, shopping for gifts, watching children’s faces light up when they see Santa Claus, etc. I have a hunch that this joyful season will always be a highlight in my year.
Nurturing, caring and comforting, Fred Rogers is the kind of legend that children, young and old, can relate to. For more than 40 years children and parents have welcomed this television neighbor into their homes for learning experiences, music, conversation and friendship.
day in the neighborhood. With radiant sunshine, pleasant company and an itinerary jam-packed with educational fun, this day could not get any better.
We sat together on the swing on Mister Rogers’ front porch and then walked inside only to find his sneakers and sweaters in the front closet. A quick picture by the traffic light and Mister Rogers’ fish tank brought back so many memories. Then it was off to his piano for a bit of singing, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…” 
When we could finally tear ourselves away from the Children’s Museum, we headed to WQED to see the original set. We walked down the colorful stone sidewalk and visited many of our favorite characters from the Neighborhood of Make Believe. And, at the end of our walk through the studio we met Mr. McFeely for a hug, an autograph, and a quick photo. 
