Celebrating the Holidays

As the holidays approach, I observe that generally, people are ignoring the unyieldingly scroogelike behavior of the economy to plan for the holidays and attend festive events. Calendars are filling up with private parties, new and traditional seasonal favorite events. Check out my Community Events Page.


But, hosts and hostesses, not unmindful of the less-than-booming economy, are making efforts to be mindful of the less fortunate. Many invitations are requesting that guests arrive with gifts of food for distribution to the hungry or with toys for homeless children. The Women's Council of Realtors (New Mexico Branch) is asking each party guest to provide five cans of non-perishables to be given to the Road Runner Food Bank for its ongoing food distribution to the poor. Both the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® and the Kirtland Air Force Base 377th Wing Division is asking guests to contribute toys for needy children.

Despite best efforts, not everyone feels the joy of the season. Even during times of abundance, I have known people who became uncharacteristically sad at this time of year. I, myself, used to be one. My sadness was triggered by memories of my mother's death on Christmas Eve. I dreaded the start of the Christmas carols and hated the memories of loss they re-wakened each season until I decided to change it. I celebrated my wedding on Christmas Eve and once and for all chased the holiday blues away, convinced that my mother in heaven would be pleased by my decision.

I know that getting married during the holidays is not an option for everyone but what was most important was the decision to take control to create a positive outcome for an unwelcome situation. The act of sharing and offering gifts, not necessarily of material things, is another way of taking charge and escaping feeling victimized by circumstances and situations. Especially in times of economic challenge, gifts of time and talent can be invaluable in bringing joy to both giver and receiver.

Many opportunities abound to give non-material gifts. It is the type of giving that has the capacity to draw us out of ourselves and turn our thoughts outwards as we focus more on the needs of others than on our own. It allows us to discover that seemingly small expenditures of thoughtfulness can bring tremendous comfort.

If you have not tried it, consider helping a food bank distribute food, visiting a homeless shelter to feed the hungry, or volunteering to help a child learn to read. What are your talents? How about going caroling to cheer up some shut-ins? In attempting to help others we often end up surprised with how much we help ourselves. 

Happy Holidays!