What would the holidays be without beloved Hallmark Christmas movies, tree trimming get togethers, the obligatory Santa photo, and Black Friday deals? Go ahead, admit it...some of you have been planning your cookie exchange since last August and started shopping the day after Christmas last year. Who knows...you may even wear your reindeer head band around the house and listen to Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas on repeat at volume 8. While I respect your enthusiasm for all things jolly, I am not a kindred spirit.
Growing up, the task of decorating the Christmas tree under the tutelage of my Capricorn father was like hearing nails on a chalkboard. No fun. God help my brother and me if we did not hang the lead based tinsel perfectly for my father. Messing up could be reason enough to be sent to our room. For some reason my mother seemed to be "missing in action" through it all. If I was to guess, and knowing she wasn't stupid, she would would book her holiday "updo" hair appointment for the same time as our tree trimming event. Let's not forget the Ansel Adams in our family, my grandfather. The holidays meant a plethora of photo opportunities for him and we were his loyal subjects. He would set up the bar of hot glaring lights and click away while we waited patiently to dig into the green bean casserole, smother a piece of turkey with heavenly gravy, and chase giggly cranberry goo around our plates. Don't get me wrong...I don't consider myself a grinch but I do have to work very hard to get my ho, ho, ho on.
Regardless of one’s religious affiliation, the holiday season often inspires feelings of warmth, joy, and belonging. But for some of us, myself included, this time of year can evoke some not so great feelings... those of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. As I read more about the "holiday blues" mine feelings are short lived and usually pass after the last of the decorations are put away. So is the holiday season just parties, gifts, and family time? Or is there more? Focusing on the "spirit of the season," and its tenets, ease the holiday blues and where I find joy.
Giving "We need to reach down within ourselves and be willing to give ourselves and others our love. The gifts we give are a symbol of our love, not an obligation. As we give, so we should reflect upon the fact that no gift can truly ever equal the love we give to another person and the time spent together."
Appreciating "Appreciation is so important . So many feel dissatisfied with their lives. We focus on all the things we want to have. Yet, we spend almost no time appreciating what we already have, and feeling grateful for it. Gratitude, appreciation for what we have and a loving heart, these are what the spirit is all about. "
Giving through service "Embracing the spirit of the holidays also means giving to those most in need. Doing some service for someone in need or even anonymously leaving a donation. Such actions demonstrate an understanding of the real nature of Christmas. Joy comes more fully when we help others."
This time of year is for reflection. It is a charitable time, a time for kindness and joy.
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