It's the most wonderful time of the year...

...with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"...

...with the fuel price dropping and everyone shopping...

But why is this the most wonderful time of the year? Depending on whom one asks this question, the reasons might be:
- we have a new government which promises us to finally build the first highway to connect us to Hungary
- US carmakers can already celebrate Christmas with the $17.4 bio. emergency loans received from the government
- oil price is at 25% of its value 6 months ago
- Fed decreased interest rate to 0% in an attempt to boost the economy from recession

Even though outlooks look grim, we push the "PAUSE" button for the next two weeks and enjoy Christmas season. 

But what is left of the original Christmas spirit and what do we actually celebrate nowadays?
If we look around, we notice that the Christmas spirit has been downgraded to selfish and materialistic concerns about: where do we go on holiday? how much meat, pastry and drinks should we buy? are there enough presents under the tree?That is, we have lost any connection with what we are really celebrating.We know who's responsible for this, but is it really that bad?

Let's try to look at this through different glasses and appreciate the fact that the winter holiday season allows us to spend more time with our family, to disconnect our brains from the daily activities and just enjoy the free time. However, what is even more problematic is that we allow ourselves free time only so rarely and that we spend most of lives challenging ourselves. The desire for self improvement is indeed positive, but let's not forget that we should allow our minds and bodies a rest more frequently than 2 times a year. 

With this, I wish you a happy Christmas and take care.