Holiday Blues

Not everyone is excited by the holidays. Whether it is the first snowfall or the glitter of holiday decorations appearing steadily, some people do not enjoy this time of year. Perhaps it is missing loved ones, or changes in our own health, or maybe financial pressures get you down.

The reality is that the ‘happiest time of the year’ is not that for everyone.

We would do well by realizing this and being extra gentle with our friends or strangers.

Some folks are very aware of religious customs and celebrations. They understand them as well. They know they are rooted in folklore and religious teachings. Some are mythical, others historical. The mix of the two makes for lively and awe-inspiring tales widely shared. This is all a part of our culture. As other cultures join our national family, the myths expand as well.

For Christians, Christmas is a season of hope, the coming of the Christ Child. A new beginning is the theme, and joyous the spirits. This is the time we mirror the gift giving of the Three Wise men and give to others we hold dear. Sharing presents is a form of social sacrifice that speaks of our own adoration for others.

Gift giving is done in many forms. Sometimes it is a carol sung to brighten someone’s day. Other times it is a service performed for a loved one who can no longer do those tasks for themselves. Still other times call for volunteer work for agencies that serve special populations. Of course, a check shared with a distant charity accomplishes similar outcomes. Often, we do all these things.

Not every person can do these things of course. Poverty, unemployment, ill health, and a host of other cultural maladies make life challenging for millions of people, even in our own land of riches. The social pressure caused by this divide of good fortune is the cause of seasonal stress and depression. Not contributing to the whole as others do sets people apart; they feel the apartness.

And, too, the clash of values is a stressful reality. We say one thing and do another. We say we value family yet schisms grow this time of year. We claim to love one another ceaselessly but this is too often unrealized. We claim moral high ground in discussions yet settle for meaningless tinsel where actions count the most.

We are imperfect. We live imperfect lives. We hope to do our best. We believe we are doing our best. Deep down, however, we know that much suffering plagues our planet and we do little to assuage the outcomes.

Each year I hope for a more determined present to make for a better future. A little here or there from each of us would make a huge difference in the lives of so many. I wonder if this is the year it will happen. I wonder and have hope. As long as hope is present I stave off depression. I hope. And I hope you do as well. Hope!  How seasonal!!

November 29, 2017