Ho-Ho-Oh No!

Here we are rolling right into another holiday season.  Whether or not we want it, it’s happening.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could somehow just change the general public’s approach to all of this?  You know, tone down the consumer-focused masses, bring back the real holiday spirit of hope, happiness, goodwill, family/friend reunions.  All the good stuff without the pressure of gift-giving.

📷by annca on pixabay

Don’t get me wrong, gifts are great both to give and receive.  But why did we have to get to the point of so much consumerism.  I looked in my American Heritage Dictionary for the meaning of that word.  It pointed me to “materialism,” which noted “excessive regard for worldly concerns.”  Yeah, true dat!  Checked the word “consume.” Among the normal definition of purchasing goods, it noted “to squander,” and “to destroy totally.” 👀!!  Now doesn’t that define today’s holiday activities?

There is so much focus on the purchasing of goods, spending enormous amounts of money (mostly on credit) to the point of destroying one’s bank account (and peace of mind!).  For what?  Smiles, hugs, thank-you’s?

Seems to me simpler things, even more enjoyable ones, can be done to receive those smiles, hugs, and thank-you’s.  Also, any time of year, gift-giving/receiving is appreciated, I’m sure, by anybody.

📷 Joyce Meyer Ministries

The little things count: the surprise gifts and courtesies, helping a friend with a chore, donating something to a charity, sending a picture of silliness.  Any day.  Without having to shop for the big stuff (big as in large, or big as in price), we can give in a huge way.  And will likely receive the same:  a smile, a hug, a thank-you.

Wouldn’t it be sweet to be excited about the holidays approaching because you get to decorate, listen to fun music, see family/friends, share meals, visit animal shelters or nursing homes, spread a little cheer with tiny packages of sentimental keepsakes or pictures.  And give the big things to those truly in need.

Wouldn’t it be more special if holiday times (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year) was truly about the spirit of hope, happiness, goodwill, and sharing with anyone and everyone around you?

Happy holidays:  Merry Christmas!  Happy Hanukkah!  Happy Kwanzaa!  Happy New Year!  Oh, Happy Day!       Theresa M.

📷 by Larisa-K on pixabay