Smiles Matter. Especially During The Holidays.

For some the holiday’s can be difficult at the best of times.   Life happens and it’s not always in our favour, or at least if feels like that at the moment. Loneliness, reminders of loss and watching what we think others have (and we don’t think we do) can make this month very challenging. Throw in what seems to be several weeks (or months really) of constant tragic injustices in the media that take your breath away and have us question the world we live in, and it’s understandable that for some, it’s easy to go from difficult to challenging and quickly escalate to overwhelming.

There is no quick fix though there are things we can do in these moments.

  • Writing and journaling about what you’re feeling and experiencing can give you some insight.Talking for many provides relief; even simply to know that you are not alone. Whether with family, friends, support group or a professional – share the load.
  • Becoming more mindful via meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can help some find balance.
  • Paying kindness forward can help, whether it’s volunteering somewhere to support others, helping someone out or practicing random acts of kindness in your community.
  • Reminding someone – including you, that they matter, are important and belong can provide comfort.

For many it might be a combination of these things – and for us one of the areas that we never want to forget is to simply smile and laugh. The holidays have historically been popular for sharing some of the funniest, most touching or cheesy commercials. Whether cars or crackers, advertisers stop at nothing to get to you during this season.

So should you be struggling this year – or simply need a break, check out some of what we think are the very best holiday commercials…the ones that make us laugh out loud, smile and maybe even get goose bumps…

Let’s start with warm and fuzzy. Literally.

Even having watched the ‘Behind the Scenes’ of this NBA commercial, it didn’t make it any less cool.

Explaining Santa to the kids is tough enough. For this mom – it just got that much more difficult.

Is it really Christmas without some cute animal advertising? Listen to these harmonious hounds and try not to smile.

If you’re going to break into an Elders house, we guess this is an OK reason.

And lastly a wee message from us to you. May this time of year be one that is filled with peace and warmed by the joy brought to us when we are with those that matter most.