'Tis the Season to be Jolly
'Tis the season to be jolly, the holiday season when we coulld easily spend every evening of the next 30 days at a holiday party or other festive event. This year, despite continuing economic hardship for many, I have noted dogged determination not to let hard times put a damper on holiday cheer. Not only private parties but public, new and traditional events are on calendars. Check out the Community Events Page for local public events.
Commendably, hosts and hostesses are not forgetting those in need. I know of at least three groups, so far, that are asking guests todonate food or toys for th less fortunate. The Women's Council of Realtors (New Mexico Branch) is collecting non-perishables for the Road Runner Food Bank for its ongoing feeding of the homeless. Both the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® and the Kirtland Air Force Base 377th Wing Division are asking guests to contribute toys for needy children.
'Tis the season to be jolly, but I know there are those who become uncharacteristically sad at this time of year. I used to be one. My sadness was triggered by memories of my mother's death on Christmas Eve. I dreaded the start of the Christmas carols and hated the memories of loss they re-wakened each season until I decided to change it. I celebrating my wedding on Christmas Eve, convinded that my in heaven would be pleased by my decision.
I know that getting married during the holidays is not an option for everyone but most important is the decision to take control to chase away the blues. Another cure is the act of sharing and the giving of gifts, not necessarily of material things. Many may not have the resources to give material gifts and need to recognize that a gift of time and talent especially in these times, can often be more valuable in bringing joy to both giver and receiver.
Many opportunities abound in our worlds to volunteer in our communities. Such giving has the capacity to draw us out of ourselves as we focus on the needs of others than on our own, and allow us to discover that a seemingly small expenditure of thoughtfulness can bring tremendous, wonderfully unexpected comfort. If you have not tried it, consider helping a food bank distribute food, visiting a homeless shelter to feed the hungry, or volunteering to help a child learn to read. What about going caroling to cheer up some shut ins? 'Tis the season to be jolly. In attempting to help others feel jolly, you might just make yourself jolly also.