During the holiday season I’m presenting a series of short articles on self-care.  While this may seem like a departure from animal welfare issues the two are related.  The more love and compassion we hold for ourselves, the more we can share compassion with all forms of life.  So here’s wishing you a cruelty free Christmas or joyous holiday!

Do something different.  Traditions are often created because we want to re-experience the good we had at another time.  For example, maybe the first time we baked a pumpkin pie we enjoyed the families reactions so much that we now feel obligated to make a pumpkin pie each year.  So do something new.  Hide Christmas balls for the kids, do pot luck with your friends, rent a movie filmed in the Caribbean, make vegan meatloaf or throw a costume party.  Traditions have their place, but it’s actually better for our minds and emotions if we throw in some surprises.