Fat Man in Red Suit
It’s that time of year again…..more cars on the road, more people in the stores, more crowds enjoying the city, and definitely that grey-haired, red-suited fat man will be singing “Ho Ho Ho” everywhere you go.
My childhood memories of Christmas weren’t especially great, …like the year my Jewish father had the “Christmas Table” with all the presents underneath it….or the time my sister forgot to send a thank you card to my very correct grandmother and was almost excommunicated from the family. And then there was the 1982 Christmas Blizzard where I was pushing a car in 6 feet of snow! I became a bit of a Grinch about ‘Celebrating the Season’ over the years.
My MindSet focused on the commercialism and the greed of the holidays. I resented everything about this time of year. The fact that the Salvation Army was in my face with that high-pitched bell…and their hands out… set my teeth on edge. There were endless potlucks and parties and cheer – it was too much. Not to mention that almost everyone I encountered had a Good Cause that they wanted me to support and help. I was like a cynic at a comedy club; arms folded, brow furrowed, nothing was going to make ME laugh.
That was until several years ago when my wise and caring wife shared with me about my Grinch-like attitude. She wasn’t placing blame or angry with her sharing. She was kind as she explained that we get to create whatever blessings and rituals around the holidays that we want to celebrate as a family. We did not need to over-buy or over commit. We could, in fact, create the Perfect Holiday.
As her green eyes sparkled and her excitement ignited, my heart opened up with love. And that is when the Magic happened. I saw how the holidays could be our own personal Holy Days- a reflection of our values and love and sharing in the world. I started to smile at the idea of Christmas and to look forward to the Celebration of the Season.
And each year as my small daughter gets older, I cherish the moments we create- the sledding, visits to Santa, and ALL the eggnog Cheer!
Monday Mindfulness
If you are overwhelmed with the idea of the holidays, try remembering one thing that you are grateful for each time you see that fat red suited man.
Monday Offering
If you are running yourself ragged and tired of being stressed out, it may be the Perfect time to start an individual coaching program. It is possible to have the life you want. I currently have two spaces open right now. If you want one of them, go ahead and fill out the comment box below.
Wishing you a grateful week,
Jason
November 27th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Jason, That was the most inspirational view of Christmas-time choices I have seen. Thank you, I loved it! Terry