As I get older, it becomes easier each year to lose a little more Holiday cheer. Its not that I am becoming a “scrooge,” it’s just that my adult mind is now on other things, but this year I am reminded why Christmas is truly a great time of year.
When I was young, Christmas for me, like many other children, was about presents and food. All other things were pushed out of my mind. I got older though, and out of college, then other worries became harder to push out of my head.
Worries like financial security, buying gifts for everyone else, paying bills. These are the types of things that adults just can’t get away from. I preach all the time to others about not sweating the small stuff, but sometimes I should take my own advice. I guess I am too much like my mother in that regard.
Although these trivial thoughts ring in my head even during the holidays, recently it has been so easy for me to relax when I am home with family. I know that people should be kind to one another all year long, but there is something about Christmas time that brings out the best in everyone. It’s like a disease that everyone subconsciously seems to catch whether they want to or not, and around my house, this “Christmas cheer” is almost tangible.
Mom, being the most exuberant is always decorating and reminding us that “Its Christmas.” Dad is home more, and in a cheerful mood because he doesn’t have to drive downtown to work, and my grandmother, as always, is cooking something delicious in her kitchen.
It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the “holidays,” but I just wish it would last the whole year round. I think people become less likely to do for others as the year goes on. I am certainly not saying this is the case for everyone, but for some I know it is. I am probably guilty myself of losing the “Christmas cheer” that I mentioned. However, I suppose that this special time of year would lose a little, if not most, of its luster if we celebrated more than once.
I think that’s why it is so special. I know there are different creeds and religions that celebrate for different reasons at the end of each year, but whatever the reason the result seems to be the same: people (most of them) are kind to one another, usually more than they were in the heat of July.
So, I guess what I am suggesting is that if you are sitting in your office chair brooding over late bills, or lying awake at night wondering if everyone is going to get a good gift, or eat, or whatever, just close your eyes and let the spirit take you.
Put your prejudices (if you have any) aside, and do for others.
You might be surprised at what others start doing for you.
Matt Wheeler is a reporter for the Barrow Journal. You can reach him at mwheeler@barrowjournal.com.
~Whitney