I love the holiday season and in some ways I dislike it. Why I love it…
I love the spirit of the holidays and for me, that is the spirit of Christmas. For some, it is the spirit of Chanukah or the spirit of Kwanza. It actually doesn’t matter your faith and religion, what matters is the spirit of good will and kindness to others. It is a time where there is a heightened level of selflessness and giving to those in need. Personally, this is what I love!
I remember a long time ago I spent Christmas in California and we went to Balboa Island on Christmas Eve. There was a Christmas light boat parade where all the boats are decked out with colorful lights, Christmas caroling and singing everywhere and I never have experienced anything like it. It was the most Christmassy environment and ironically, it was in warm weather climate. There was such an incredible “good feel” spirit everywhere and it was just a beautiful and memorable experience.
This past weekend my brother and sisters and I all got together for the holidays and birthdays. We had an amazing time laughing and having fun. It was all about family and again, the spirit of the holiday was present. It was a beautiful and memorable experience.
Why I don’t like the holidays…
What challenges me of the holidays is the expectation of “having to” give a gift rather than wanting to do it for the sake of giving. I hear statements such as, “I have to give because they gave to me”. This just doesn’t sit right with me. Maybe it’s because I have been traveling to some very remote places in the world and seeing how many people live. They are grateful for anything. Unfortunately, sometimes I see a lack of gratitude but expectation at this time of year. Is it just me or does anyone else feel that?
The greatest gift you could give to someone you care about is 100% attention and love. For those with children, I guarantee years down the road they will remember what you did with them much more than what you gave to them. My wife and always tried to give our children more experiential gifts rather than things. It is a definite formula for creating memorable moments that will last a lifetime. So please do more with them and give them less, they will love you more for it!
Happy holidays to all of you and wish you the best experiences then holiday season.
