— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Holidays
Some dictionaries define a Christmas carol as “a song or hymn whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas or the winter season in general, and which are traditionally sung in the period immediately surrounding the holiday.”
Please note the words “traditionally” and “immediately surrounding”. This is certainly not the case at our house. Christmas music has been playing in our home since mid October. Pretty much any time the temperature dips below seventy degrees for two consecutive days, my wife kicks on the Christmas music. And, if we are no where near the holidays she may turn it on just to put herself in a good mood. She has gotten Ethan in this tradition as he asks to play “his Christmas music” every morning on the way to school.
When we were dating in college I would never understand this phenomenon. I would come in from working out in the hot Delta sun in July and August and Rebekah would be playing Jingle Bells in her dorm room. Ever since we have been married, we stock up on “the smell of Christmas” candles and potpourri to use year round. I used to think she was nuts. (From time to time, I still question her sanity - but mostly for putting up with me.)
The more I age and am away from friends and family that I was once close to or saw daily, I understand it more and more. The "holidays", whether they be Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, the 4th of July, Veterans Day or a host of other days throughout the year are not about the events, the presents, decorations or any of the other things that distract us. Those holidays that mean so much to us are usually about the people. They are about the relationships and the love and experiences shared between family and friends.
When I think of some of my favorite memories of holidays, I usually can't describe them without telling you about the people and what they mean to me. Music, smells, a certain decoration – all of these triggers bring back memories of great times with family and friends.
Many people may think you’re weird, or as we say politely in the South, “eccentric” for rocking out to your Andy Williams Christmas Special in the car wash line, but I’d tell you to go ahead and do what brings joy to your life! Give those that scoff a “bless your heart” and sing loud and proud. Enjoy the memories of good times.
I’m no scientist, but I think it is good we do things that help us remember those special times and events in our lives where we were surrounded by friends and loved ones, some who have gone on before us and others who are just across the globe and we don’t get to see that often any more.
Few things in life are as important as being surrounded by family and friends. Each day we have new opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime, but we also have an opportunity to create those memories for others. As we head into the holidays, surround yourself with good friends, good food and good times. Be there for others when they need someone to make memories with. Laugh, love and enjoy these times, because there is no time like the present to make a memory!
I know that if you put forth the effort, you will be rewarded with many years of happy memories and our community would be better off for it!
One easy way to make more time for friends and family is to stop running all over the place to find that “perfect” gift. Get off the computer, put down the catalog, grab some friends and hit the streets of your hometown. Make some memories by shopping locally this holiday season. We’ve got some great shops and local artisans here in Jones County. Come see what we have to offer. But don’t forget about that special meal. Many of our restaurants and local cooks offer holiday specials. Be sure to check those out too! I’m sure you will be glad you did.
---
* This article was originally printed in the Sunday, November 10, 2013 issue
of The Chronicle's "Planting Seeds" column.
* This article was originally printed in the Sunday, November 10, 2013 issue
of The Chronicle's "Planting Seeds" column.
No comments:
Post a Comment