So, the Christmas holiday is over, and the new year is here. I have taken time over the past couple of weeks to really think deeply about the idea of enough. It seems that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year, known as “the holidays”, is laden with extremes. Either it is marked by excess or scarcity.

For many, this time of year is marked by excess. We often think of this excess in the form of eating and drinking – consuming way too many calories this time of year. Perhaps we recognize the excessive spending this time of year as well – the credit card debt and skyrocketing costs of the family feast. But have you ever thought of the excess we experience this time of year in terms of stress as well, such as all the extra errands, parties, obligations, fake smiles we give and receive, demands, etc.

For many other people, this time of year is marked by scarcity. This scarcity stands in stark contrast to the cultural excess noted above – no food to throw the family feast at all. Or worse yet, no party invitations and no one to worry about giving a gift to, let alone the worry of how to acquire it. This scarcity brings a very real stress of a different kind. The stress of loneliness and feeling marginalized. The stress of wanting. The stress of having needs that go unmet.

What could enough look like during “the holidays”? Might it look like:

• Making gifts rather than buying?
• Giving one thoughtful gift rather than four thought-less gifts?
• Providing one dish of comfort food that feeds our loved ones’ souls as well as their stomachs rather than six dishes that stretch our time, sanity, and wallets to their breaking point?
• Finding ways to politely decline a few invitations so we can joyfully accept a few others that will really add special meaning and memories to this season of life?
• Taking time to savor the aspects of the holiday season that really add meaning and value to our lives?
• Those experiencing a time of excess sharing a bit with those experiencing a time of scarcity?
• Mindfulness in spending to ensure good intentions don’t suddenly move us from financial stability to instability due to excessive holiday debt?

What are your thoughts? What did you experience during “the holidays”?