Tip your waiters and waitresses more than the requisite 15%. Go out of your way to meet an old friend. Tell your parents you love them before you go to sleep. Cook a huge family meal and invite all your relatives. Try baking a pie. Surprise-kiss someone you adore. And why? For no other reason but: “It’s the holidays, of course!”
It seems that the moment the calendar crosses into December, adults and children alike have more bounce in their step, more courtesy on their lips, and more generosity in their hearts. City streets take on a magical air; twinkling lights shed a mysteriously lovely glow on passerby. Everywhere, there is a feeling of Christmas. What is it about the holidays that transforms frowning, grim naysayers into cart-wielding joy-bringers?
Don’t get me wrong; I love the feeling of coming back to a home decked out in holiday attire. I love the Christmas tree with its rainbow of lights and the stockings hung with care by the fireplace. I love my brother Ryan, who churns out holiday carols and watches Christmas movies, and how my mom sings with him in unison. I love Christmas, but sometimes the extravagance seems a tad forced.
Christmas is about spreading joy, reuniting with family and friends, and bestowing kindness upon strangers. At a time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, many hope to emulate Jesus’ holy traits: his humility, his generosity, and his endless love. Perhaps this is why individuals treat others more nicely at Christmastime: they remember why they celebrate in the first place.
But why must we only engage in Christmas-y behavior at Christmastime? Why do we wait for December to give to charity and to volunteer? Why do we put on happy faces now, only to regain the frowns when January arrives?
It would be amazing if the spirit of the holidays could last until the summertime or even next November. If, during the other months of the year, individuals tried to donate what they could to charity, think how many more could eat good meals, sleep in shelters and wear warm clothes at night. If, during the other months of the year, individuals stopped thinking of themselves for a moment, and started instead to think of what they could give to others, think how much more cohesive and cooperative we’d be. If only Christmas could prompt year-round good cheer, oh the places we’d go.
Just a simple note on a very special day. Merry Christmas everyone. May your holidays be merry, and may you continue the spirit of Christmas far after the last carol has been sung.
One Lovely Day 