Holiday Cheer At Its Finest

Holiday Cheer at its Finest

By Joseph Parish

Ah, the wondrous Christmas season is upon me. My favorite holiday imparts a glorious and heartfelt feeling to me each and every year. I enjoy leisurely strolling through the local business section of Dover, and optimistically discerning all the numerous, blissful people hastening here and there to concluded shopping for friends and relatives holiday gifts. The jubilant children are observed gazing gleefully into the various merchant’s storefront windows, as they are wholly caught up in the eagerness and wonderment of all the astonishing toys on display. Each one of the children has hope filled minds of seeing their favorite presents appearing under the Christmas tree on December 25. Such sights from my past bring back childhood memories, not all pleasant, but some often with tearful eyes of sadness. I gloomily think back to my annual moments when I would lie on the living room carpet browsing optimistically through the Sear’s Christmas Wish Book, from the mid-50’s. Page after page of enchanting and extraordinarily surprises appear which Santa could have in store for me. There were first-rate, three section chemistry sets which made my heart explode from expectation, I saw microscopes in abundance complete with the extra slides, and all accessories, and even several types of telescopes, to make any amateur scientist proud.

As the dawn Christmas arrived, and as was typical of every year, with the first rays of sunlight, I eagerly sprung from my bed and scuttled down the stairs to examine what presents Santa had left beneath the tree. Would I finally get the gifts that I had been patiently waiting for? Usually, without fail, upon the arrival of Christmas morning, I am generally disappointed, this was no different. Beneath the tree could be seen the usual Clue game, the yearly Candyland, and of course clothing. I searched a second time to ensure that I had not overlooked a chemistry set, but all to no avail, it simply was not there. I started to think that Santa really did not like me very much. Of course, I later realized that my father did the best he could with what little he had, and for that I look back in time and thank him since I appreciated what he did.

Over the years as I developed a measure of wisdom, I discovered that Santa was not some flesh and blood individual, but rather an emotional feeling of giving and encouragement of faith. I concluded that this very act associated with the holiday, should rightfully be based upon undemanding love and selfless devotion. This season is a time for nurtured the giving and instilling kindness, and not for selfish receiving, which brings me to appreciate the full bloom of the holiday spirit. Christmas epitomizes an interlude when all of us should undergo kindlier behaviors towards one and other. Over the years, I have endeavored to reach out to those individuals less fortunate than I, and illustrate that my heart is with them during this holiest time of the year, after all I know what it was like. This is the season which demands that I always forgive any of my enemies, as these are not moments to harbor dislike or ill feelings. To this end, I encourage everyone else to follow suite. The spirit of Christmas displays for me an endeavor into the foremost portions of my soul, as I look outward upon the world. The old saying that we are in this all together is so true during the holidays.

I am a rigid advocate that to give of myself is comparable to a holy gift, and who wouldn’t want such a pleasure? I look forthright towards giving those gifts which I deem possess some countenance of eternal value, such as something which the receiver will revere and cherish, even after I have departed this earth. Imagine for a moment how much worthier life could be for all, if we only followed this sort of holiday spirit. I challenge all people at this time of year, to venture forth and provide gifts of understanding and of service, and as I do, reach out with your hand in friendship. These acts are like pure psychological minefields in action for one sets off another.

While a supervisor in the military, I would constantly volunteer to work for those Airmen who had children, so they could spend quality time with their families during the joyous holiday. In the military these occasions of one’s family are critical, as you do not know if they will happen again or not. My belief is that you should take advantage of these opportunities while you can. In addition, when not working for Christmas, I would appreciatively invite the single service members to my home for a Christmas meal. We would serve juicy turkey, seasoned stuffing, several salads and delectable vegetable plates, along with all the extra trimmings that one could imagine. Of course, we cannot forget all the scrumptious desserts which are part of the holiday feast, from cookies to pies. If you left my table and was still hungry it was your fault, and no one else’s. After my guest and I finished our meal, my wife would package and wrap up several huge, fabulous dinner plates of food for delivery to those service members who were working that day. This was my small way of thanking those young people for serving their country. There are few actions this time of year which can bring more joy than helping another person.

Often, I prior to Christmas day, I usually visit the local grocery store in pursuit of the missed foods necessary to prepare our holiday feast along with any last-minute supplies for the Christmas dinner. As I approach the access driveway leading to the store, I regularly catch sight of a family standing on the street corner holding a sign which reads, “Will work for food”. I take this as a clue from above that I should do something to help eradicate this family’s misfortune, therefore, I stop and explain that I have no work for them, however I would be more than delighted to purchase some food for them. A few of the families will accept my offer, but most respond outright that they would rather have cash than food and decline my proposal.

As a result of my own childhood, one of my unyielding convictions is that “No Child Should Go Without Christmas Gifts.” I stand inflexible in my commitment to this concept, so each year my wife and I approach one of the local churches or social agencies to identify a needy child who may not have a Christmas. In December, we budget our expenses accordingly so a specific amount of funding is earmarked for this December project of purchasing gifts which the child would appreciate. This has become an institution with us for many years, and as far as I see it the practice will continue until our death.

My wife and I personally do not wish to receive any gifts what-so-ever from anyone since their friendship is gift enough for us. The average family spends approximately $900 dollars on the holidays, including dinner and gifts. This is a goodly sum of money which could be better spent towards achieving a child’s happiness. It is better that these people and family spend their money on their children, which is gift enough for us as we see the child’s happiness displayed in their eyes.

Whether you are ready to be excited about the holidays and their activities or you are simply feeling a case of the holiday blues at this time of year, take a moment and listen to some jubilant Christmas music, go watch some carolers singing, visit one of the holiday plays performed throughout your community and bring that holiday spirit back to your life. When it comes to Christmas songs, let’s face it you either love them or you don’t. In my Case, I do like them. I am a sound and a smell person; I will fill my office with the sounds of Christmas, as I fire up an incense burner with the scents of pines and other related holiday smells. It tends to have an ambient atmosphere about it. The television is filled with films for the Christmas season so take advantage of them and see what the holiday is all about. Make a magical thing happen by looking up and saying hello to someone you haven’t seen for years. Our lives are too short to not forgive and forget things from the past. Please post this and have it passed on so we can get the spirit of Christmas moving.

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