The Holidays

While I don't celebrate Christmas myself, there's a feeling that you get around the holidays that I can't really explain. People are just a little more cheery, classic upbeat songs are winding their way through the cold winter air, and everyone wants to get home to their families for the holidays. I enjoy seeing the houses and their brightly colored lights, the mall santas who still bring wonder to some child's eyes, and maybe perhaps a nice layer of fluffy snow; we lack that down here.

Of course, there are two sides to every story; those that are well-off are probably going to have a decent christmastime. But how about the other side? The strong and sturdy souls who work paycheck-to-paycheck to keep their families afloat, and give their children the best holiday time they can muster. The ones who won't be having a place to go back to this holiday season. The nomads who wander the city streets, with nowhere to go. But the holiday spirit really starts to show now; as food kitchens and volunteers and shelters open their hearts to those without food or a home. At a certain time of year, people can see the real good side of humanity come out, and help out their fellow human beings. Corny or not, its heartwarming nontheless.

I would like to think of the holidays as a spiritual time as well. You have been on this earth for another length of time; lived, breathed, worked, and played. It's a good time to reconnect with yourself, and think about what you want to be when the next year comes around. Look back at the freshly written history you've written in your life's novel; smile at the good memories, accept the bad ones. But when the countdown finishes on the 31st, wipe the slate clean. It's a new beginning.

So that's my short tale of the holidays. I only want to convey a few things. Keep dear to your heart the true spirit of this time. That it's always better to give than recieve. That a present that comes from your deepest thoughts is worth more than some thing from the store. That putting a smile on someone's face is one of the best things you can do. But when the new year comes, you also have a choice. To do things differently, to do things you've never done, and to try and take a different path than the one your on now. The holidays are a time of warmth, but they also siginal the beginning of the upcoming year; where you have another chance to change your fate.

Happy Holidays; I hope you find your peace in some shape and form this holiday season. Best of luck to you in the new year.

G.