In the time of the year when good cheer is going around, we wish to extend happy wishes to the community and hope the very best of seasons to our neighbours.
And while we are all merrymaking and enjoying even just a little down time with family and friends, we wish everyone to remain safe and in good spirits throughout the remainder of the festive season and into 2015.
This is a busy time. There are so many things to concern ourselves with that maybe, at times, we lose sight of our surroundings. Maybe in the rush to get somewhere we forget to give a slippery road the respect and attention it deserves. Maybe coming from a crowded and overrun shopping centre we get a little frustrated and lose some focus manoeuvring out of the even more crowded parking lot. Take time, and take care.
There is a lot of hustle and bustle, and as much as we like to think it ends on Dec. 25, there is also the spectacle of Boxing Day, there are things to prepare for as we plan celebrations on Dec. 31. There is more stuff to buy, more crowds to deal with and more disappointment because no matter how prepared we are, plans at this time of year just don’t go off without a hitch.
So we say, accept that fact, if you haven’t already. Yes, we all want this time with loved ones to be special, but it doesn’t have to be perfect to be special. It doesn’t have to be postcard or Christmas card perfect in order to be a special time in which the memories we create are just as important as how straight the stockings are hanged.
There are just too many small details to fret over that sometimes we need to take a minute to step back, re-assess and remember the teachings of Charlie Brown and what the season is really about.
The turkey may get a little dry. The gravy may get spilled on Grandma’s lap. The Jello may be forgotten in the fridge until the day after the big family dinner. And the wine may freeze because we forgot we set it outside in the snow to chill.
At this time of year it’s important to understand that not everything will go according to plan, and sometimes we have to succumb to the imperfections of the season.
If we can accept that, if we can agree that a little unfortunate spontaneity may breathe new life into our holidays rather than suffocate them, we may all enjoy the holidays just a little bit more.
So please, try to relax a little. Try to go with the flow, even if the flow involves a tide of Boxing Day shoppers sweeping you past the sales you most desire.
Remember what is most important this time of year. Take a break. Take time to rejuvenate and catch up. Take time express your gratitude to the people you don’t get the opportunity to express it to any other time of the year. Give something back, and accept that giving feels great.
Enjoy your holidays. Merry Christmas.
