Holiday Spirit?
By Pam Sherman | December 3, 2009
Tense. I’m feeling tense. I told everyone I was going to breathe this Holiday season and instead as I watch the lights go up on the houses around me (ours is always dark even though Hanukah is the Festival of Lights) I get short of breath. I think I should be shopping for presents, for kids, friends, family…teachers. Why? Aren’t I “present” enough to have in their lives? Isn’t my passion, deep caring, and total commitment to them as human beings enough. Which is why I really don’t expect presents - really. Must I commit to consumerism to show my love? Apparently, yes. According to the ads, the flyers, the increased traffic, the lack of parking spots everywhere including the grocery store (where are you people all year anyway). It’s funny, I’d rather buy what I want for myself than get an actual present from someone. Instead, I’d rather be swept off my feet with an experience, a poem, an unexpected kindness. Try giving some of that feeling away, sharing your passion, perhaps just smiling more? From my husband (with whom I celebrate 25 years of marriage on December 22nd) really I don’t want jewelry - I’d rather have new glasses I wear them more often and I could finally see clearly. From my kids, how about this gift? NO push back on DOING things in the house. or surprise me by actually putting the laundry in the laundry hamper which is two steps away from the floor where you left it. And I’ll give you this: I might be nicer. I said, might, I’m not promising anything. Wow, I feel better already!
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