What ever happened to a traditional Christmas? The holidays are supposed to be a time when life slows down just a bit. The only thing on your mind is spending time with your friends and loved ones and thinking of how you would like to decorate the tree. We're not thinking about bills, our job or any of our daily routines. We look froward to that day when family comes over to visit and we catch up on old times. When thinking about Christmas, one would be filled with excitement and anticipation for the holiday season.
There was a time when people would come to your house or walk around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols. Back then, no matter where you went this time of year, the people you interacted with where just a little friendlier and showed more courtesy towards one another. Organizations such as The Salvation Army who are dedicated to collecting money for those less fortunate, were receiving more donations than they can keep track of. Christmas is a season of giving, not just financially, but our hearts as well. Although we continue to look forward to the holiday season and still feel the joy of it's arrival, unfortunately it's not quite the same as it once was.
During these present times living within a stressed economy of fewer jobs and inflation, it's hard to feel that same motivation and dedication to enjoying the holidays. There are people who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut. There are people who have lost their homes or had to relinquish their possessions just to pay the bills. They would like to afford to get their loved ones and friends gifts they know they would enjoy, but ask themselves, how in the world am I going to afford it? It seems that each year it gets a little harder to get into the spirit and people become more bitter. You no longer deal with a person who's willing to lend a hand or is courteous enough to let you into the next lane to reach your shopping destination. For the most part, everyone has their own personal agenda and it's every man for himself. It's understandable of course. Life brings more pressure and stress than it ever has due to current circumstances. But there has to be another alternative of handling it other than fighting over the last video game in the mall, cutting someone of in heavy traffic or spraying someone with pepper spray. We have to find a way to get that true enjoyment back that makes the holidays the holidays sorta speak.
We can't change the economy or come up with some overnight solution to our problems, but there are ways to bring some of the joy back during this holiday season. One of the best ways to receive joy during this time or any time, is to do something nice for someone. You'd be surprised at how happy it would make you feel knowing you gave your time or effort to someone. It could be a family member, a friend or any other person that needs help. The simplest thing such as giving a compliment can go a long way for someone having a rough day. Another way to relieve the stress that comes during the season is to do the best you can buying gifts and not to overextend yourself. It may seem like a good idea to go and purchase that 56" television now, but if your on a tight budget, it'll only come back to haunt you later. A great way to ensure a smooth holiday experience would be to plan well in advance. Start buying gifts early, find out who be will spending Christmas with you this year and how to go about entertaining them so your prepared. Lastly, try to get into the spirit by decorating the interior of your home, playing Christmas music or even spend an hour or two without music or television. This will be the time when family and friends talk and share with each other without distraction.
In conclusion, we all can do more to really enjoy the holiday season. When everyday is filled with challenges, disappointments, and stressful situations, these are the times that are very much needed. It's a time to lay down your burdens and commune with your family and friends. Let's try to get back to the way we were and really enjoy Christmas this year. It may not be like something you would imagine when viewing a Thomas Kinkade painting, but surely we can make it a time we will always remember.
