Ah, it’s the holiday season. The time for decorations, cheery music and, of course, spending too much time and money making sure the young ones get all the gifts th
ey ask for, as well as some socks and underwear for practicality sake.
As we hang up signs that say things like “Peace on Earth” and “Joy,” many of us are far from those sentiments due to the growing wish lists and demands of the season. It’s a 25-day whirlwind of tinsel and wrapping paper—and the next thing you know, you’re packing up the tree and wondering where the year and all your money went.
This isn’t a new thing. Everyone knows the holiday season is always busy, yet every year we grit our teeth and bear it, all in the name of holiday cheer. At the start of December, I often find myself saying that Christmas Eve won’t find me in a crowded mall frantically searching for last-minute gifts; yet every year, Dec. 24 usually finds me unleashing my inner Scrooge as I trek from store to store to find that perfect present that no one will remember by the time next year rolls around.
And, true to form, here I am again, at the start of another December, saying that this year will be different. And, for some reason, this time, I’m putting my resolution into print so it can haunt me like the ghosts of Christmas past.
To be honest, having a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holiday” almost seems a bit too idealistic. There’s so much to do! Life isn’t a Hallmark movie! But, on the other hand, I am a bit of an optimist, so here I go again. And, I’m guessing that at least some of you reading this need to join me in this resolution—to make this year different; not marked by rushing from one event to the next, but embodying all the sentiments that those pretty signs say it should be about: joy, peace, hope.
Here’s to hoping that this year is different; not marked by how many gifts we bought on sale, but time spent with loved ones. And, more than anything, here’s to hoping I don’t see you at the mall on Christmas Eve.
