What It Takes

As I sit in the festive living room of the home I was raised in, in the small town I grew up in and watch the snow fall heavily around me I begin to feel the spirit of the holiday all around me. The town is lit, the plows are out, the children are sledding, the house is decorated and packed with people causing commotion of course. 

I'm not a grinch, but I'm not a fan of the holidays. What I mean is that I’m not a fan of the movement, noise and chaos that comes with the holiday season – the grasping expectations and the sheer mess of it. But that’s just me, and it’s probably not fair to call the holiday season a mess, at least I suppose it isn’t. But for many, the holidays are considered prime time for lots of parties and gatherings, lots of music, running to the mall, and things to do – that sounds messy to me.

Don’t misunderstand, there are things I love about the holidays. These things mostly have to do with fires in the fireplace, children's excitement, cookies, a few pretty decorations, quiet or fun holiday music, holiday parties,  the exchange of a few meaningful gifts that are well-appreciated. I love reunited hugs with friends and staying up late talking to out of town guest.

Because of the way our society focuses on the outward and what we’re doing, it can be hard to turn the holidays into something more meaningful and comfortable for us, the introverts of the world. There seems to be a certain way to do the holidays, and it usually runs contrary to our need for silence, solitude and reverent consideration. Trying to change our way of handling the holidays might upset some and confuse others, leading to misunderstandings, arguments and hurt feelings.

Family can make or break us. Bring out the best and worst in us. Some are are best friends and our worst enemies. The holidays come every year we can embrace the opportunity to be together or we can resist the anxiety in the air. The holidays are a time to be together with the people we love and if we need to e reminded god will dumb 20" of snow on our lives to make us pause and remember.