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. However, no matter how happy we are
or how much we enjoy the Christmas festivities, most of will experience
a few sad moments at this time of year as well. Perhaps it overcomes 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 close family member or a 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 is still the same. You miss that
person and for a moment wish that you could shut out the sights and
sounds of Christmas. After all, how can you have so much fun without the
people who are no longer part of your life?
How often have you been among a crowd of people and been 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? Do you feel like
everyone around is staring, wondering what’s wrong? Whenever you find
yourself feeling like this, allow the memories to come flooding in.
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.
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 during the holiday season that we realize how much things have
changed. This year, don’t try to suppress the memories of years gone
by. Allow them to make this the best Christmas ever.
So as you go about your final preparations for Christmas 2001, plan
all of the great traditions that have been a part of your life for so
many years. Allow time to recall the memories of years gone by so your
loved ones will remain part of the festivities, even if they are no
longer around. You will find that they can still add a great deal to
your holiday, even if they are only here in spirit.
Have a very Merry Christmas!
