By Vern Holmquist
We are in the midst of the holiday season and while the spirits of most people are elevated to the state of joy, happiness and good will, we must take a moment to remember those who this time of year is rough on. There are people who have experienced a loss – from a loved one to a job and they may be experiencing some depression. So while we live in our high expectations, let’s all take a moment to look for those around us who may need a little extra boost. Let people know you care. Small acts of kindness like a phone call to a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile or holding a door open for a stranger can do wonders.
Giving of your time is the best present. Help an elderly neighbor with a chore or offer to babysit a friend’s children so she can go holiday shopping. Little acts of kindness are really what the holiday season is about. Here’s a story I heard:
There was a father who had two young sons: one was an optimist, the other a pessimist. On Christmas Eve, the father hid the best toys in the pessimist’s room and filled the optimist’s room with a pile of manure. The next morning, he found the pessimist finding fault with every gift; nothing made him happy. When he opened the optimist’s door, he found this son happily digging into the pile of manure. The boy said, “Dad! With all this manure, there must be a pony buried in here somewhere.”
During this busy time, let’s all take a moment to reflect on the gifts we have and the gifts we can give – not just in December but throughout the year – gifts of kindness, respect, friendship, love, joy … This is the time of the year when we should all be optimistic, even if it takes a little digging. Remember the good things that came along this year and have the faith that all will be better in the next.
The Old Curmudgeon wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I intend to have one.
