Bah Humbug
Love it or hate it? The winter holidays have always been joyful for me, though less so now that my family is dispersed throughout the country. I used to look forward to decorating a tree and watching children tear into their gifts on Christmas day. When I talk to older friends, more of them say these memories of happier times make them sad, so they avoid holiday celebrations. Humbugs have different reasons for not liking Christmas. Some don't like being forced to listen to the same chipper songs repeated or see red, green, and gold everywhere they travel. Others think children become greedy during the holidays and that people are insincere in their expressions of love. They empathize with poor families whose children expect Santa to reward them for good behavior.
Younger acquaintances say they're exhausted by having to interact with their dysfunctional families and despise the pressure to act happy when they're with them. Gift-giving poses a special burden. With five children, eight grandchildren, and two adopted families, it's a problem I relate to. Not only is the holiday expensive, but giving gifts during the holiday is less rewarding than gift-giving when your package is not among a pile that will make yours appear insignificant. Your gift is more likely to be appreciated when opened at an off time of the year.
But then again, there is much to like about the holidays. I look forward to celebrating the Winter Solstice on December 21st and joining friends for drinks. I like lighting Hanukkah candles for eight consecutive nights. The first night this year is on Christmas Day, December 25th. I'm uplifted by the festive food, treats, and decorated homes lighting our city during the darkest nights of the year. I anticipate snowfalls and look forward to sledding on the hill by my house and having a good snowball fight. There's nothing better than getting warm by the fire afterward. I admit that finding the perfect gift for a relative does make me feel good. And, though I erected smaller Christmas trees than I used to, they are still fun to decorate.
So, I embrace the spirit of the season. Why feel down instead of joyful? There is enough bad news in the world to make me pleased to have a diversion. The parties I attend that ask guests to bring white elephant gifts, I find fun, especially when it is a book. Giving presents that connect my kids to me after I am gone feel like the right thing to do.
Last week, I took my two adopted granddaughters to see Beauty and the Beast on stage. Today, I helped them make gingerbread houses. I will participate in a book sale on Sunday at the Historical Museums' annual Holiday Fair. I'll be among dozens of local authors sharing their latest novels, and I look forward to sharing my thriller, The Water Factor. Keeping busy makes me come alive.
My smile is genuine, not pasted. It is good to have reason to think of others' needs rather than my own. There is much to look forward to in a season that is joyful for many. I find it rewarding to embrace traditional celebrations rather than be a humbug and fight them.
Christmas-love it or hate it? Please share what you will do during the holidays. Is it the solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza that adds meaning to your life? or none of the above. Comment at www.eichingerfineart.com/blog
The last day of the 30% off sale for original paintings is Sunday, December 8th. 16" by 20" canvas prints are available for $99 delivered to your address. Order now to arrive for the holiday. Explore art at https://www.eichingerfineart.com/works
