There is
absolutely no doubt that Christmas is a wonderful time of year, filled
with so much joy and happiness. Everyone is attending parties, shopping
for gifts, making plans to visit friends and relatives, and generally just
trying to keep up with the hectic pace of the holiday season. You can
sense the feeling in the air as soon as you walk through the doorway of a
store or drive through the brightly lit neighbourhoods at night.
However, no matter how happy we are or how much we enjoy the
Christmas festivities, most of us will experience a few sad moments at
this time of year as well. Perhaps it will overcome you as you are gazing
out the window into the clear night, watching the crisp snow falling to
the ground. With Christmas carols playing in the background, you fall into
a trance and your mind wanders to those special people who are no longer
part of your life...and you wonder, “How can Christmas ever be the same
without them?”
We have all endured the pain and suffering of the death of a loved
one - grandparent, a parent, a spouse, a child, a close family member or a
dear friend. There were certain traditions associated with those loved
ones that you cherished, and will miss dearly. Whether your loss was
caused by death, divorce, a family member moving to another place, or for
any one of numerous other reasons, the feeling of loss is still the same.
You miss that person and for a moment you may even wish that you could
shut out the sights and sounds of Christmas. After all, how can you feel
good about having so much fun without the people who are no longer part of
your life?
You may find yourself among a crowd of people and suddenly be
overcome by sadness as you find yourself feeling guilty for having such a
good time, knowing that a loved one is no longer with you.
You may even feel like everyone around is staring, wondering
what’s wrong? Whenever you find yourself feeling like this, allow the
memories to come flooding in. Don’t shut them out. Don’t try to avoid
the feelings. Instead, allow the good memories to fill your head and bring
you once again to a state of joy. Instead of feeling down, wondering how
things will ever be the same without your loved ones, do your best to
recall those important traditions and memories and remember the good times
you had with them. They wouldn’t want you to miss out on the good things
that life has to offer. They would want you to live your life to the
fullest, and to be happy when you think about them – not sad.
This is also the time of year when a simple smile, a touch on the
shoulder, holding hands briefly, a sincere compliment or even a little
note of recognition can mean the world to those you meet, especially
strangers. Reaching out to show that you care and understand how someone
else feels is so much easier during the Christmas season because of the
overall atmosphere and festive spirit. As you discover the warmth that
comes from sharing your love with everyone you meet, you will begin to
realize that the memories you have of lost loved ones are cherished more
than ever, and instead of making you feel sad, those memories will lift
your spirits.
We can’t escape from the fact that things change in our life as
we grow older. Some for the good, and some not so good. Unfortunately, it
is usually during times of greatest happiness, such as the Christmas
holiday season that we realize just how much things have changed. It is at
this time of year that we realize that many of the people who gave us so
much happiness and joy in the past are no longer with us. And, even though
we can still enjoy the traditions of Christmas with our current circle of
family and friends, a part of us longs for those days we had with people
who are no longer a part of our life. This year, don’t try to suppress
the memories of years gone by. Allow those memories to make this the best
Christmas ever.
So as you go about your final preparations for Christmas 2005, do
yourself a big favour and plan to take part in all of the great traditions
that have been a part of your life for so many years. Allow some quiet
time to recall the memories of years gone by so your loved ones may remain
an integral part of the festivities, even if they are no longer around.
You will find that they can still add a great deal of joy and happiness to
your holiday, even if they are only here in spirit.
Have
a very Merry Christmas!
