Everywhere I go I’m bombarded with reminders that the holiday season is in full swing. The warning signs came early this year - I recall seeing a Christmas tree in a store window before autumn’s first leaf had a chance to fall to the ground.
Each year, advertisements kindly remind us all how many shopping days are left in the season, inciting panic in even the most seasoned shoppers. Sometimes their message can be so powerful I find myself thinking, “How am I going to find the perfect gift for (fill in name of relative or friend)? There’s so little time.” Then a wave of relief will wash over me, as I look at the calendar and realize it’s still October. As I write this, it is Nov. 19 and the department store’s countdown is running at a good clip, but by my own holiday clock, I still have plenty of time.
In addition to feeling stressed, the holiday propaganda reminds us that this is the time of year where anything can happen. People are kind and generous to one another, wrapped up in the spirit of the holiday season. Movies have shown us magic is possible during this time of year and we believe if we are kind to others, good things will come our way.
This is the time of year when even sworn enemies can become friends. Rifts between family members can be bridged with a little holiday spirit. Forget February –  November and December mark the true season of love, so if you love someone, now is the time to confess. If you can’t come by these feelings naturally, there is always the chance a specter will appear and lead you on a humbling journey through your past, present and future.
Wouldn’t it be something if we approached everyday of every season with anticipation for the unknown and a pledge to be kind to others? That person who wrote, “I Wish Everyday Could be Like Christmas” may be on to something. What if there was a way to capture the generosity that is so prevalent during the holiday season and spread it out over the course of a year?
Gathering with loved ones for the holidays leads many people to reflect on their good fortune and strikes up a desire to give to others who may not be so fortunate. There are ample opportunities to give to others during the holidays, from dropping some money into the Salvation Army’s red kettle to volunteering in a soup kitchen. There are also many food and clothing drives that make donating to a good cause, as simple as can be. Maybe you know someone who will be spending the holidays alone. Why not invite them to your holiday meal?
Better yet, why not share a weekly meal with that person. Instead of volunteering to help serve a holiday meal, why not serve breakfast at your local soup kitchen throughout the year? When winter approaches, we are reminded of the people who need warm clothes. Instead of waiting to clean out our closets each fall, what if we donated clothing throughout the year? After all, the need never goes away.
Too often, I tend to give in spurts. But, helping another person doesn’t require a grand gesture or a lot of money. It can be a simple act like holding a door open or checking on a neighbor. Who knows, you might have made a difference in someone’s life today without even realizing it. Maybe your kind act will start a chain reaction of good deeds.
If you really think about it, there are a million ways to spread the ole’ holiday cheer throughout the entire year. So resolve the fights with family and friends today, make plans to embrace your sworn enemy tomorrow, make a confession of your love everyday if you have to and do something nice for at least one other person throughout the year.
The ghosts of the past and future may have good points, but there’s no better time than the present.
– Amanda Estes