Cardyologies Newsletter - December 2004

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Although we call ourselves "Cardyologists" we really try to
stay as far away from doctors as possible. So besides
holidays, birthdays and other special times, I always say
that the best time of the year is when I'm putting my clothes
back on after my annual pelvic exam. (I'm sure you ladies
are nodding you guys are being thankful that you are guys.)

Anyway, that's what I got for Christmas this year - a pelvic
exam. Yippee. So I sent a Christmas card to my doctor
telling him this song was going through my head when it
was over:

Today's Holiday Traditions

The editor of our local newspaper e-mailed its readers,
asking for our Christmas traditions. It's sad that the
only thing that came to my mind was STRESS, which has
actually become a holiday tradition.

Who do we buy for? What do we buy them?
How are we going to pay - with Monopoly money?

What kind of food should we serve?
Who's bringing what?

When can we all get together, anyway?
Between work schedules, Christmas programs, in-laws,
out-laws and step-this-and-that, it's nearly impossible for
it to work out right.

If this is how your holiday traditions sound, let's try really
hard to change them from STRESS to CHILL. Just do
what you can and don't worry about the rest. Enjoy the
people you are blessed to be surrounded with.

Don't overspend on gifts when you don't have to,
don't count the gifts you receive or the money spent on
them and don't take little things personally. Everyone is
just doing their best, and if someone isn't, it's their
problem.

Do be reasonable and forgiving, do remember those
who are missing and do be thankful that you have a
family to be with.

CHILL - as a new holiday tradition. Break out the old
photo albums and board games. Use them as a new
tradition of laughing and playing together. Then take
new pictures so you'll have more to laugh about in years
to come.

Enjoy Christmas like a kid!