My Stress = My Issue

Christmas brings stress for me.  And worse than that, it is all self imposed. 

Since I have reached adulthood and have hosted Christmases in my own home, I have been in search of the elusive "Perfect Christmas."  It is so elusive to me, I lose sight what it looks like. 

I honestly can't remember a bad Christmas in my life.  There were always presents, turkey, ham and all the usual treats; in fact probably more than a lot of people. My Mom and Dad were always happy to receive presents from all their Children; from the macaroni collage to the print from their favourite artist and their favourite sweet treat. 

Many years my parents would tell us that Christmas would be smaller.  I never noticed a difference.  The turkey may have been smaller. The tree may not of been as tall.  Maybe we did not get everything on our wish list.  But every year, it felt like the best Christmas ever.  So if this is the case, why do I not think I can't make a perfect Christmas.  Maybe I know more about it more than I think. 

I know that every Christmas I do my best to have those little traditions that are unique to our family that bring a smile to faces. Some may seem silly to some, but I would have it no other way.  Our tree has never been decorated like those in catalogues or window displays and I have loved them every year.  There have been years when the turkey was over cooked and the stuffing was dry or too spicy.  I have forgotten the lingonberries for the meatballs.  Nonetheless, everyone was happy. So what is my problem?

I can get so wrapped up the superficial, commercial definition of Christmas, that I forget that my family and I are not superficial commercial people.  We our a family that is firmly rooted in love. I have never had a challenge in that most important part of the Holidays or any other time of the year. I am confident that my family knows how much I love them and I was taught and teach that IT IS the thought that counts.  

The perfect Christmas is more than attainable. In fact, every year on Boxing Day, I have said that Christmas was the best ever.  There was always family.  There was always love.  And for me, that is all I ever truly want. 

This year I will forget what "they" say Christmas is supposed to be.  It doesn't matter if the presents aren't perfectly wrapped, or if the tree is lop sided, or if the dog/cat eats the turkey before it gets put in the oven.  What matters is that my home has love, and as long as I am alive, and maybe even when I am a ghost, my family will know I love them.

Enjoy Christmas with love, with all its goofs,  snags and imperfections.  

The Holidays are upon us.

 So we have made it to December 2021.  And I am sure that there will those who will take this opportunity to push a "politically correct" agenda by insisting "Happy Holidays" as the acceptable way to acknowledge this time of year.  It is suppose to encourage inclusiveness.  Personally, I think it does exactly the opposite.

There are many Faiths that celebrate a holiday in December, including Buddhists, Christians, Jewish, Wicca, Islam, and Zoroastrian.  Now we may all have various opinions of these Faiths.  Unfortunately politics have attached themselves to these various Faiths. I say unfortunately because God, however you understand Her/Him, has no place in politics.  Politics has no place in the Houses of Worship of the World.  

Most Faiths have a basic rule in common.  DON'T BE A DICK. Maybe, I am over simplifying this.  But if we can agree that our personal all Powerful Being is a loving one, the above guideline says it all. From the 10 Commandments to The Sermon on the Mount to the Beliefs of Islam to Teachings of Buddha and many more, they are all telling us to be a good person.  Can we agree that this is a great goal as a human being. (This would include atheist as well).

All that being said I move on to the various celebrations in December.  I say Merry Christmas to people because that is my personal celebration.  When saying this my intentions are loving and peaceful. If someone says that to me, it is the way I would accept it.  I would also accept a Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzza or a Good Mawlid el-Nabi in the same way.  I receive these the same way I say Merry Christmas, with love and peace.  Why would I take it any other way?

Maybe I am naïve. When someone says any of these words to me I smile and say "Thank You."  I believe that a person is wishing me happiness and joy. Why would I take offence to that, no matter to what holiday it is associated.  Why would I feel insulted because it is not "my holiday?"  Really? I certainly don't expect everyone to know my Faith on sight, just as I can't tell their Faith on sight.  If someone wishes a happy anything, I take this as an opportunity learn.  I have a chance to respectfully ask about their Faith and how they celebrate. That is inclusiveness.  

I have come to realize that assholeness is an equal opportunity disease.  Just like love is an equal opportunity cure.  "If you prick us, do we not bleed..." The Merchant of Venice.  "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo and Juliet.  Shakespeare had a way with words.  Both of these quotes say something to the fact that though we may different, we are the same in far more important ways.  As people, we all want joy, peace and love.  

As part of humanity I want this for all people.  I don't care what you call your God; I don't care about the colour of your skin; I don't care where you or your ancestors were born. Just don't be a dick.

So a belated Happy Hanukkah! Merry Christmas! Enjoy the Solstice! And Always a Joy and Peace to all.