Merry Christmas
Christmas. A joyous time of year that can be often overshadowed by stress and disappointment when everything isn’t going “ just right.” Despite jolly Santa Claus and smiling snowmen plastered everywhere, the “Christmas spirit” can seem hard to reach. Negative thoughts still occur by the slightest inconveniences like; overcrowded airports, missing packages and no parking spots at the mall. It’s important though that we realize what we do have and that we are grateful for it.
Growing up with a single parent after losing my mom at a young age, the holidays weren’t always easy. With three other siblings, we didn’t always have the latest and greatest Christmas gifts. I was often jealous of my friends when we compared presents. However, my father said something to me when I was a kid that I never really embraced until my adult years. He told me that someone is always going to have it better than you but someone is always going to have it worse.” Telling me to be grateful for what I have. These words could not be more true. We all have different backgrounds and traditions when it comes to celebrating Christmas but one thing we all have in common is we all have something to be grateful for.
This can be easily forgotten throughout the year but especially this time of year when we are all running around like crazy. When rushing to your airport gate, instead of complaining, be appreciative of your ability to rush around. Your ability to walk, not everyone is so lucky. Your packages may come late but at least you have loved ones to buy gifts for. Some people spend this holiday alone. It can be painfully annoying circling the mall dozens of times without finding a spot but try to be appreciative that you have a vehicle and you made it there safely.
With losing my mother at a young age it wasn’t always a smooth and happy time growing up but I’m grateful for the close bond that I have with my siblings and father that came out of it. Several years ago I went to a benefit for a young boy who had a brain tumor. He was strong, positive and happy. This always inspired me. He also beat it and lives a perfect, healthy life now. I purchased a ribbon his sister knitted and have left it on my purse ever since. I, like many of us can get stressed and negative easily but I like to keep this as a reminder to keep me in prospective on how lucky I am. There are a lot of things I don’t like or complain about but at the end of the day I have good health, a great family and the best boyfriend in the world (sorry ladies).
One of my favorite quotes is by Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher. He said, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Although written thousands of years ago this mentality should still hold true today. Not just at Christmas time but always. Think about what you have to be grateful for and cherish it. Merry Christmas!