The holidays can be a pain for a lot of people. It is especially difficult this year as we all contend with the challenges that we have dealt with lately.

But when it comes to this time of year, the headaches should really serve as a reminder of the importance of why the daily routine should come to a grinding halt sometimes for a greater spiritual good.

Many of us are rushing around trying to get everything done in time for Christmas. We scramble around day in and day out, though, with every detail of our lives so seemingly critical. What this time of year should remind us of, however, is that sometimes it’s OK, if not absolutely essential, to just put the routine on hold, take a step back and reassess what truly matters in our lives.

Whether your family is made up of blood relatives or the friends who are there to celebrate your achievements with you and comfort you in your defeats, this is the time to simply pause, if just for a moment, and be thankful for them. Not everyone has money for the latest gadget, but almost all of us at least have one thing that matters more to us than being at work at nine on the dot.

Whatever gifts you may receive this Christmas, and whatever gifts you may give, at least give yourself the gift of taking a second to breathe deeply and enjoy whatever it is in your life that brings you true happiness.

Carry these thoughts into the new year and the winter months will go by much more easily for you. Better times are coming, so let’s celebrate that along with our many other blessings.