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Happy Holidays!

December 5th, 2022 by Kenneth Abrahams

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,” from Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities. He wasn’t talking about the holiday season, but he certainly could have been. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday are all behind us. Our in boxes are still jammed full of ideas for holiday gifts for friends, family, co-workers, and clients. Despite all the “big sale days” having passed, the deals keep coming. One ad on the radio even talked about Black November savings. It means that the final countdown to the holidays has begun.

 

For many, this time of year can be very stressful. There is a lot of pressure to buy that perfect gift or simply to buy a significant number of gifts. Endless conversations take place trying to identify who is gift worthy and who is not. Lists shift and change when someone unexpected texts or calls to suggest you connect. If someone has lost a loved one in the last year, or they passed away during the holiday season, it can be an emotional time as you come to the realization or remember that they will not be here this year.

 

Not only are people making a variety of holiday dishes and meals, but kitchens are busy with cookies and other sweet treats baking in the oven. Despite making the house smell amazing, it can add more stress, especially if it’s tradition, aka expected, and your baking for many people. Some people do not deal well with the pressure that the holidays can bring. Parking lots at malls and grocery stores can reveal some of peoples’ worst traits. In more than a few situations, I have seen drivers cut off someone that has been waiting patiently for a space, and then run into the store to avoid facing the person they so clearly wronged. Crowded jewelry counters can, at times, look like a jousting arena as customers of all shapes and sizes jockey for position. Salespeople that are working countless hours are often treated with scorn or contempt, as opposed to basic human kindness.

 

It is also the best of times. In general, most people are in good moods. Things often are a bit slower at work, and if they are not, there are often special events or lunches mixed into the calendar to keep things shiny and bright. There are family gatherings and traditions galore. Christmas trees, candles, and the previously mentioned baked goods, make houses smell wonderful and let you know it is a special time of year. Often employers sweeten paychecks with bonuses, which certainly gives people an emotional and financial lift.

 

There is no better time of year for children than the holidays. For them, it’s not just about the presents, it’s a truly magical time. From the endless streaming of holiday tv and movie favorites, to the Christmas lights and the festive feel at home, it is a time truly made for kids. Waking up each day to see where the elf on the shelf has moved to or being able to help make cookies for the very first time, there is no question about how special these moments are. You can see the joy on those little faces as they sit cross legged on the floor listening to relatives, from near and far, retelling stories of holidays long past. Break out those old photo albums and give people the chance to relive the holidays with those that have long since passed.

 

Perhaps it is my age, but I hold these times closer to my heart every year. It is amazing looking back on old photos and seeing our kids, our nieces and nephews, and other family members, growing up and growing old. Looking back to when I had a full head of dark brown wavy hair, as opposed to the short cropped gray locks that now only cover 2/3rds of my scalp, we don’t know how many more of these celebrations we will all be a part of.

 

So, take time this holiday season to really enjoy it. Stroll through the neighborhood, look at the lights and decorations people have adorned their houses with. Reach out to friends and family to let them know that you care about them, will miss them this year, or that you are looking forward to seeing them. Give to those less fortunate than you are. Smile and be kind, those things cost you nothing, but mean so much to others. It is easy to look at the negatives and get caught up in the stress of the season but trying to focus on the positives will make for a better holiday for you and those around you.

Looking for support during the holidays? Check out these free resources

About the author

Ken Abrahams has played Santa for the better part of 40 years and has seen the miracle and magic of the Christmas season through the eyes of children. There is no better way to see it and feel it than that.

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