Merry Christmas, World!Whether under a palm tree, an evergreen, or falling snow, I find it interesting how the holidays represent so much for us as individuals.
Some people go all-in, shopping and decorating and baking and celebrating… while others prefer to bah-humbug it, and stay under the covers. Most of us, in my experience, prefer some combination of the two.
But why do the holidays mean so much? Is it the marketing? The spirituality? The ancient history of celebrating at this time of year? Earlier this week I discussed celebrating the "coming of the light." No doubt this history is part of what compels us to continue the celebrations, even if we are not religious or spiritual. It is likely, in large part, what brought about the spirit of Santa Claus, of gift-giving, and of family dinners, among other deep-seeded societal traditions.
Our own histories play a part, too. Memories of Christmas past are an immense part of why Christmas itself is more about our children (our our child-self) than anything. It's the child-like wonder of the holiday that keep us going amid the hustle and stress. The magic surrounding Christmas is incredible, and by continuing our traditions we hope to regain the magic we once felt as children, too.
When a moment in our personal history sours that Christmas spirit, however, or when there is no one to help build that magic with, the bah-humbug kicks in. We feel lost, overwhelmed. We forget why we're doing any of it at all. We either succumb to it, or go through the motions, for hope, for our loved ones, because we aren't ready to throw in the towel on Christmas yet.We're not all so lucky to have the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on our side, encouraging us to see the magic in the holiday. Most of us must create the magic ourselves, either through tradition of old, or by creating new ones.
Only in new traditions can we begin to dissolve the trauma of Christmases past… the ones where we lost a loved one, where we were alone—the ones where we became a little hardened deep down inside.
Kids or no, new traditions are what have saved the holiday for me and helped dissolve the pain of Christmases past. I mention some of these in Charla's Christmas Eve blog.
Sans kids, sans husband, there are some traditions I would keep. Wrapping presents alone on Christmas Eve with a glass of something warm and a Christmas movie on TV is something I've done ever since I can remember and still continues to bring me joy, as is listening to the golden-oldie carols whenever I'm just not feeling Christmasy. I've added a new alone-traditions as well: making my own Irish Creme to sip with cookies, and making gifts of my favorite herbal remedies and treats I've discovered throughout the year. Being alone doesn't always mean Christmas doom if you're willing to be flexible on what the season means to you.
How are you celebrating today?
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