Staff Writer - Katrin Callender
A lot of us are truly excited when the holidays come around. We look forward to the vacation from school, from work and in some cases, from our daily lives. We anticipate visitors and visit others. We look to the New Year and vow that we will not repeat our mistakes. We change the appearance of our homes and offices. We even change our looks and our attitude. We hope for presents and leave hints for those likely to shop with us in mind. We hunt for presents, some of us frustrated by the obligation; others desperate to find that perfect thing that will win praise from the recipient.
Beautifully decorated stores sell stock, acquire more stock and sell, sell, sell. We eat, drink, dance, hug, kiss, laugh, cry, and even fight. And two weeks from now, it will all be over. Some will have fond memories, stored in their hearts and minds and on memory cards. Others will not remember it fondly and will instead hope that the only remnant is the eggnog that will help them to forget it.
The holidays mean different things to us all and respect for each viewpoint is the key to enjoying it. Yet the holidays are experienced and influenced by us all. Our actions determine what we get out of them. We will be surrounded by people during the holidays whether we are out shopping or at home. We may also receive emails, cards, telephone calls. We will be asked to give of our hearts and our purses by strangers.
Many who entreat us to give will succeed because we have been taught to be charitable at this time of year. After all, there’s no wet blanket like three spirits showing you your past, present and future, and chastising you by soliloquy or in song! Even if we shop until we are ill, it is imperative that our gifts, whether expensive or not; whether sentimental or not; loved, hated or re-gifted, are given in addition to respect. Presents can neither replace genuine respect, nor should they be given in spite of a lack of respect.
Showing heart felt appreciation really works
While there are a plethora of items in showcases to tempt us all during the season, we often yearn to see our hard work appreciated by our bosses, the people we serve and the ones we love throughout the year. It is so much better to honour someone by acknowledging their contribution to your life, on the job or to the public. In giving this sort of recognition to those around us, we teach them how to celebrate us as well. And when we validate their efforts and receive the same, we feel good. The most beautiful decoration we have is our smile. We can share the best of ourselves with those around us and we can commit to the resolutions we make.
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