Tag Archives: holidays

Celebrate

The holiday season (largely North America) or just the holidays (in many Western influenced countries) occur this time of year. To coin a common song lyric “T’is the season to be jolly.”

I often wonder why we designate a time of year for celebration. Granted though in the Northern hemispere where many Christmas traditions arose (a hallmark of the season) it is dark and cold, not a bad time for a celebration.

Life Long

While it is definitely a bit idealistic, I wonder why we don’t all treat our lives as a year long celebration. It is nice to have designated highlights, whether religious, political or just historic; however outside of these organized holidays, why not be joyous year round.

To some extent the answer probably lies in group think. A common belief that this is the time to rejoice makes it easier to participate. Everyone is doing it so we feel peer pressure to participate.

Motivated by Desire

Of course in the case of pleasurable activity the peer pressure does not need to be strong, as most want to join in anyway. Except for the odd scrooge participation in the holiday happiness is usually virtually unanimous.

With few exceptions, the pursuit of happiness is a common human behaviour so participating in the theme of the holiday season is not hard to do. It is easily embraced and hence successful.

Keep it Going

Although this is not a unique thought, I am sure it has been said many times and in many ways, this year consider keeping it going. stay in the holiday spirit year round. You might be surprised how it is not only better for you but for those around you as well.

 

The spirit is in you

This time of year is often called the holiday season because of the nunmber of religious and social holidays that occur in November , December and January.

The christian celebration of Christmas is widely participated in but in general whatever your religious or cultural background this is considered a time of peace and joy.

Feeling the spirit

A collegue commented today how this year he was not feeling the spirit.  It was not something he could put an exact explanation to, it just felt like a busy time at work and in his personal life.

My snap comment, albeit a bit tongue and cheek, was “the spirit is in you, what you feel and how you manage the spirit within is truly a personal choice.”

Your surroundings or You

The weather (burr) the length of the day, our experiences and memories, the people around us, all influence how we choose to feel (and of course much more).

Regardless of the impact of the environmental inflences,  or lack thereof, a warm and happy holiday spirit is yours to choose.  So choose wisely.

Why now?

The holiday spirit is driven by some annual events, gathering with family, eating sumptuous food and exchanging gifts.  These are part of the standard experience this time of year.

Doing these things more frequently can lessen the impact. Anticipation  of them happening is  one of the keys to the happiness and pleasure we feel about them.

So take advantage of the environmental influences and let your holiday spirit bloom.

 

Halloween is back

A year ago on Oct 31st I mused about whether Halloween was a holiday or not.  My conclusion was strictly speaking, based on the common definition of a holiday, Halloween is not one.

What goes around comes around

As I was thinking about today’s post it occurred to me to rant a bit about how people treat Oct 31st as a holiday even though it’s not.  I suddenly had a sense of deja vu.

I checked last years post and sure enough, that rant was already covered.  At least I am consistent.

Some more thoughts on All Hallows Eve

Holiday or not (and it is not) the common practices of wearing costumes and going around the neighborhood in the evening asking your neighbours for treats does have some real merit.

Merit you say; well the act of giving makes most feel good and for the young (who make up most of the recipients) the act of recieving candy, or some similar treat, is not too bad.

The candy manufacturer’s in North America do 50% of their sales in October so they are happy too.  A day which has celebratory behaviours that give pleasure to most can’t be that bad (holiday or not)

Fortunately, although the catchphrase is “trick or treat”  I find that not too many play tricks, mostly being happy with the treats.  Of course we have consistently given out candy, so no reason to pull tricks on us.

All for Now

Those costumed blighters are at the door screaming for a trick or a treat so I got to go.   Happy Halloween all.