Although the holiday season for many is a time of great stress, it also can be a powerful time of reconnection, to ourselves and our loved ones. This reconnection is most meaningful when we give ourselves permission to rest, savor the blessings in our lives and enjoy the company of others.

This weekend as I gathered with 52 immediate family members — my husband is one of 10 — I was able to reconnect with each sister-in-law and brother-in-law and all 28 nieces and nephews. We spent the weekend catching up on each other's triumphs and tragedies. Each with a personal story, each with a drama unfolding in their lives. But what was even louder than the drama and trauma that was being shared was the sound of laughter and resonant echoes of joy. Each of us there to support and uplift one another. It was miraculous to witness the amount of love that filled the room.

I know my husband, children and I are truly blessed to have the support and love of so many. I know it is a rare gift to have a family that is truly connected. Our family has always been a bright light of hope in our lives. For those of you who are facing challenges this holiday season, who do not have the support of family, you can still connect to the light of hope and possibilities. By choosing to align with the light, you release yourself from suffering in the darkness.

So as the holiday stress and the drama of life begin to overwhelm you, remember these simple remedies to soothe and comfort you and your children.

When you feel lonely, reach out to another.

When you see or feel suffering, pray.

When you hear or experience poverty, give.

When you feel anxious, breathe.

When you experience conflict, love.

When you lose hope, count your blessings.

When you feel weak, rest.

When you feel despair, seek out beauty.

When you feel sad, cry.

When you feel confused, meditate.

When you feel overwhelmed, let go.

Whatever it is that you are experiencing, just have faith that within the challenge lies the seed of hope waiting to blossom. May this holiday season and upcoming year bring you and your children abundant blessings of health, light, love and joy.

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Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.