Well, have you got everything done? Did I see you running about the stores trying to get some lastminute items? Will you be seen in the supermarket tomorrow looking for that special cheese? Has someone in your home being doing extra baking - recipes that are used just once per year?
So what's this all about anyway? What the fuss? Few can explain it's an ancient Druid custom. Not many know the days are now getting longer. Few can remember when long ago, after essentially starving for weeks, the best food was put out on display at this time for a wintertime party. Only a few can inform us that it was Julius Caesar who declared Dec. 25 as the day of a winter feast.
Santa Claus, the most recognized personality on this side of the planet, is understood to be the reason for all of this. Thanks to Santa and to Coca-Cola, which brought him into the spotlight a century ago, our everyday living takes a sharp bend at this time of year.
We stop working for a bit, we are nicer to one another, we eat too much and many of us splurge on gifts for others pretending the credit card bill might not come (soon). Tradition seems to play a big part in what and why we repeat year after year what happens at this time.
Generally, it's a season of giving, a season of being thankful for what we have. Oh, I know, there's always something else needed, but how are you compared to the folks in Afghanistan or Africa where there is not enough food to go around?
Assuming you have got caught up on the season and at this moment you have purchased a gift for someone else, how do you feel? Do you feel excited by the fact you are giving something to someone else, to someone you care about? Is it a loved one? Is it a child? Is the gift something you selected and are proud to give? How can we take and hold onto that feeling?
In our family, we make sure we give to at least one of the international charities. Last year my wife got a goat (not me, but a fourlegged one in Africa). This year (it's a surprise - don't tell her) she is helping HIV/ AIDS orphans in Africa. We treasure these gifts even though we don't personally hold them.
If you are Christian, there's extra meaning to this weekend - the birth of Jesus who brings hope to all of us. If Jewish, it's Hanukkah and the celebration of freedom.
If your life doesn't take you to organized religion, you probably are looking at time out, relaxing, seeing friends and family, and enjoying life - for a bit. You may even know someone who will line up in the middle of the night to get the best deal in electronics at a Boxing Day sale.
Whatever your reason for the season - enjoy!
