What Comes to Mind When You Think About the Holidays?
What comes to mind?… when you think about the holidays.
I was shocked and I have to admit a little disappointed in my one word response to that question when it was poised to me.
“Hectic”
Hectic, really?
What happened to the sheer joy of the holidays that I used to feel as a child and young man? Where did those feelings go? Now don’t get me completely wrong, I still can find some joy in the holidays and I’m lucky because being around my family on both sides is pretty much always a great thing with positive energy almost all the time. I say positive almost all the time because we are a family, not robots.
The sure joy you would have as a kid for Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas was palpable. Now candy, good food and presents are always something that can bring a kid joy and even us older folks. But there was also and underlying theme at least in my home… love. It was about coming together to catch up and share with our family and friends and give thanks. There was something very comforting in that.
Fast-forward to now ,I have a wife, three children (two teenagers), a job (a good thing), a mortgage, bills, responsibility etc. and the responsibility of creating the holiday experience for them.
Here are some of the “hectic” things I have to think about when planning out the holidays:
- When am I going to find the time, to put up all the decorations, get the needed supplies of candy, food, presents.
- How much am I going to spend, how much can I afford?
- Where am I going, who am I going to disappoint for not being there.
- The list just goes on and on doesn’t it. I have a strange feeling I’m not the only one that can have these stresses and anxieties.
What I have found helps me at this time of year is to do my best to have an “attitude of gratitude and thanks” I know this is always easier said then done, but when I take the time to do so it always puts things in perspective for me. Instead of stressing about who I will disappoint, I relish that I have the options I have, many people do not. Instead of stressing about the money I will be spending on all of the gifts, I thank the stars that I have wonderful, healthy children to get candy and presents for as well as friends and family to break bread with – again, many people do not.
So I do my best to slow down, enjoy the moment and bring a-little-kid-sparkle back into the holidays. Am I successful 100% of the time… no, but enough to allow me to enjoy. I thought I would never be able to duplicate that feeling of seeing my new Schwinn Stingray under the tree and maybe I cannot, but seeing the smile on my children’s faces when they are living in that moment comes pretty darn close.
The holidays can bring up a lot of sadness, loneliness and anxiety in a lot of people. I sometimes am one of those people, even as a funeral director I’m not immune. However I’m also one of the very fortunate ones that can take a step back and acknowledge the good and all I have to be thankful for, even through this very hectic and all consuming time we call the holidays. So be the grateful one if at all possible and if only for a moment you may be brought back to that magical time of holidays past.
- When you are down, what is on your list that you are grateful for that can make you appreciate the moment and what you have?
- What are your fondest child hood memories of Halloween, Thanksgiving and/or Christmas?
19 Comments
Chuck,
Sorry it took me so long to respond. This is a great subject, and one very dear to my “hectic” heart. I couldn’t agree with you more, and here’s why. This time of year can be very hectic ESPECIALLY due to obligations. Whether time, energy, or financial, we can get spread pretty thin. I too attempt to achieve that “Schwinn” under the tree JOY for not only my kids, but for myself and my extended family as well. I make a warm comfortable home, lots of good food and time to spend baking cookies, or sitting by the fire. If we do a small bit every day, for ourselves and our loved ones, the memories will echo through the years. One of my favorite times is when one of my kids, nieces, nephews, or friends kids reach back and remember a time we were together and we relive the splendor of it all over again!!
Happy Holidays to you and Yours
oxox
kari
Hey Kari,
Hopefully you can find those rare moments to take it all in and just be… Easier said than done when you are the hostess I know, so much to do. bringing family together can be great fun but it can also be stressful and filled with anxiety. Reliving wonderful memories is a great way to bring the joy and love back to it. I’m sure you and yours get away with a little fun and laughter during the holidays. Im also sure you create a warm and loving home in which that can happen. Hope you find the joy and peace you deserve, love ya.
Chuck
Inspiring post and good thoughts to kick off the season. You guys do a great work comforting us in our hardest times, and we are grateful.
Neil is right saying how hard it is to try understanding the despair in this world, but it’s obvious you draw your hope from a higher place.
Even, (or especially)through pain, your team reaches out to make the world a better place.
Thank you
Thanks Al,
We do our best to spread a little joy around, we are not always successful. Doing what we do we see almost on a daily basis how quickly things can turn in this world and just how precious our relationships are. Nobody controls tomorrow so enjoy today and while on your way why not make this place just a little nicer. Hope you find your peace and joy this holiday season and beyond.
Chuck
Chuck,
I love this post of yours, the reminder to be thankful & check our attitude BEFORE we get into the craziness is invaluable. I hope to practice what you’re preaching this season & make opportunities to relax and plan out the season in such a way that I can have time to be thankful & enjoy the time.
Thanks for such a lovely post, can’t wait to read more!
Molly,
Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves to stop and smell the roses. I hope you allow yourself that little luxury. How can we appreciate what we have if we never celebrate it? Hope your holidays are filled with Joy!
Enjoy!
Chuck
Hi Chuck –
Great reflective blog! When I get the blues and start to have my own pity party, all I have to do to snap out of it is turn on the TV and watch the news. There are so many people in the world who are really hurting and just trying to survive another day. I sometimes wonder why this world has such disparity, it seems so unfair.
Neil,
Isn’t that the truth, you can always find somebody that has bigger issues than you, most of the time you do not have to look long. Walk this earth and spread kindness, it is all we can do, the rest is out of our control. Enjoy you time with your son, I know you do. Before you know it you will have a back talking teenager on your hands. Enjoy!
Chuck
Chuck –
Jesse is already talking back to me! Just like his Momma.
Chuck
You are truly the master of “attitude of gratitude.” I feel very blessed to work along side you and learn your divine way of caring for others.
What I treasure most is being able to set forth traditions and make memories with my 2 daughters. Just to have them around and enjoy them is the best!
Amy
Amy,
I feel blessed as well to work with you and our entire team. It is so nice to work and hangout with great people that care for others. Give those two girls big hugs everyday, I know you soak up the moments when they are in front of you because they are so fleeting. Enjoy!
Chuck