I just don't get why people are so grumpy during the holidays. A few years ago I stopped doing the things that detracted and distracted me through the holidays, sucking the cheer from me. I thought people would be all up in arms that I didn't make my famous fudge or that I didn't hand make every gift, or even that I didn't fully decorate. But I realized the holidays are about enjoying my family and friends and finding pleasure in the moment, in the small things. I stopped buying over-the-top gifts, stopped sending cards to acquaintances, stopped decorating what didn't need to be decorated (and seriously, I live by myself, why do I need to have a 6 foot tree??). No one said a word. It certainly cut back on the holiday stress.
It makes me sad that people want to rush through the holidays just to get them over. How are you enjoying the holidays when you're just getting them over with? A couple years ago, at my gym they had a holiday workout mix which I thoroughly enjoyed. I requested it the next day they were open after Christmas and another woman crabbed about it the whole time, until the workout tech tuned in something else. It made me sad.
The holidays are a time of reflection. A time of peace. A time of light. A time of spirituality.
It's no secret that I love the holidays. I love the music, the lights, the cheer, the decorations, the movies... even the tacky-ness makes me feel jolly inside. I wish I could bottle my holiday cheer and give it to those who need it most.
5 comments:
Amen.
And that woman at the gym must be a real joy to live with. At least you could go home without her! :-)
And I thought the rudest people on earth were at MY gym! It's hard to rise above gratuitous grumpiness, but I hope you were able to.
American society, in general, is to blame, methinks. We seem to be all about going, going, going, doing, doing, more. Always busy during the holiday season? Always??? Always busy isn't always fun or even good for us. And what does always being busy leave so many people with? It leaves them with No time to just relax. With no time to stop and smell the roses... or poinsettias, grumpiness enters the picture.
I think if more people decided to take your recent approach, they'd smile more and wouldn't feel like they just can't wait for January 2nd to arrive.
I'm not a big holiday person. I regret it, but it's true.
The people you talk about drive me up the wall. Why bother if you can't have fun with it?
If going to a busy mall makes you grouchy, plus do everyone a favor and stay home.
Amen, Sistah!
I love Christmas music so much that my brother has been known to sing "Jingle Bells" to me instead of "Happy Birthday" to me in JUNE. :D
I would love to leave my tree up all year long. And you know what? I just might do that. New Year's weekend I think I'll just move the tree from downstairs up into the loft outside my room :D
Happy & Joyous Holidays, Sunshine!!!
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