For many reasons, this is my favorite time of year. The temperature outside may be the one thing I don’t like, but there’s so much to compensate for it. Here are a few of my favorites:
• Seeing people be nicer to one another. This happens every year. The malls and parking lots are crowded, but many people take shuttles and patiently wait in line. Most people seem more caring toward not just those they love but also those they don’t even know. They go out of their way for others around them, which is a really wonderful gift and what the season is all about.
• Getting to be a kid again by seeing the holidays through the eyes of a child and remembering that magical feeling. I love watching them looking up at the lights, anticipating the gifts hiding under the tree and giggling at the good times they are having. Bringing joy to children is about as good as it gets.
People are also reading…
• Giving and receiving. The whole gift-giving thing can go way over the top, but meaningful gifts are important. My other half asked me to write her a letter, a gift that will cost me nothing but time and one that will contain my whole heart. She will get some other things, but my holiday letter will be the highlight.
• Can’t forget the food. Though I work hard to stay healthy year-round, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s I like to splurge. I savor the flavors and the dinners with loved ones, the pleasure of a full table of smiling faces and great food. I make it a point to share our gatherings with a few folks who have no place to go. It makes everything taste even better.
• Being reminded of how lucky we are. As you shop for your family, you can’t help but hear the bell ringers and see the booths of the many organizations who are there for those who are less fortunate. This time of year, I give as much as I can to organizations that help others. Taking the kids to a homeless shelter on Christmas night to serve dinner to those less fortunate is a great way to appreciate your own blessings while also brightening the holiday season for others.
It’s too bad we only get into the holiday spirit once a year. If only it were powerful enough to keep us in a pleasant mood for the next eleven months! Carrying the spirit into the New Year would make us all a lot happier. Give it a try, and Happy Holidays.
