Don’t Succumb to Disneyland Mentality This Holiday Season!

I realize that if you celebrate Christmas, you may not even be reading this in time, with your last-minute preparations. However, if you are, here’s something to consider for your holiday gatherings this weekend and beyond.

Christmas, especially, seems fraught with the desire to elevate the best of your childhood memories to epic proportions. You begin to compete with the lights, music, food, and joyful frenzy of Disneyland (or Disneyworld) itself. That’s a lot of pressure. Simply give from your heart and you can’t go wrong.

Another issue, even if you’re a guest who isn’t responsible for any of the creation of merry-making, don’t get trapped in the Disney mentality. It’s the feeling that all that goes on in Disneyland is safe. The people are all trustworthy and that life is exciting and nothing bad ever happens there. That’s the kind of oblivious attitude that gets tourists robbed of their cash.

In this case, though, it could rob you of your health. Even the best-laid plans of social distancing at the holiday table, mask-wearing until you actually eat, and not hugging within spittle range may have been discussed, but chances are, two minutes into the festivities, you may slip into that Disneyland mentality. You’ll abandon all memory of those things that made you feel safe enough to attend or invite others into your domain. Most importantly, there's also FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out.) If you don't feel well, please stay home. Ask to be FaceTimed in or call to share your good wishes and not your germs.

Please have fun and enjoy the holiday but take your Enchanted Key to Mindfulness with you, keep your wits about you, and stay present to using your common sense to remain healthy and safe. Those gifts last a long time when cared for properly.

So here’s to good health, safety, and a merry time for all. Stay enchanted!