The Christmas Spirit

As long as I could remember this time of the year has always been filled with such magic that one could hardly describe. All my life I have cherished this time of the year. The kind side of humanity often shows itself which is a rare treat indeed. "Tiss the season," they say as complete strangers hold doors open for each others. I for one, am all about the Christmas spirit, the idea of simple acts of kindness toward your friends, family, and yes, even strangers. I have hung my stockings with great care, and decorated my tree with memories of my Christmas past. Yet this year has been especially challenging for me. Call it a bad economy, call it the times we live in. Hell, call it whatever you want to call it, people are having a hard time finding their happiness. Last night I watched It's a wonderful Life and I realized something. I realized that George Baily had it right. He wasn't the richest man or the most powerful man, but he was a kind loving man, who shared his compassion with everyone. I know I am dragging on with my inconsistent thoughts, and believe me, I wish I was a bit warmed up to do my welcoming back blog. The harsh reality of this blog was that I needed to express my concerns with this holiday, this Christmas.
I have a little sister, you see, who seems to be having the hardest time finding her Christmas spirit. Maybe she lost it somewhere along her past Christmas's, or maybe she simply misplaced it this year. Either or, I find it sad that I have little power to help her realize the truth of Christmas. Understand this, I love her dearly and I want her to be able to see Christmas as I see it. She worries about buying gifts and buying the wrong gifts. She worries about receiving gifts because she is unsure how to react in front of the giver. She stresses that the holiday is out to get her and I am starting to think she is right. Well kind of right that is. Christmas has been transformed into a holiday of gifts and wants and selfish hopes. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a good gift every now and then. I would be lying if I said otherwise. The truth is though, the gifts I look forward to are the thoughtful gifts that cost very little. I am a sentimental fool no doubt, someone who cherishes the act of a kind thought over the weight of the dollar spent. I wish my little sister could realize this for her own sake, for her view of Christmas. I told myself this year that I would do everything in my power to help her. Although I have tried, I have failed. This by no means is me raising the white flag, I do not break under such regards. Yet, I am unsure of my next move. I cannot force the spirit on to people because I believe people need to find it themselves, with a little guidance of course. If I were to write a letter to Santa myself I would ask him for no gift for myself, but for him to help my sister along and guide her to the much needed smile.
I find myself rambling along with this topic. It is something I find near to my heart. So I will leave you with this thought, my Christmas thought. Stop following the pressures of modern Christmas. If you need to, watch an old movie or two to get you in the holiday mood. The most important idea of Christmas isn't the gift you give or get, it isn't the pressure you should place on yourself, but it's yours friends and family. Its the simple act of a hug to someone who really needs it. Its the compassion that you can show to the world. Be kind to strangers, write a letter by hand, help a neighbor with something. Be kind, share, and love. Life is a treat, to short to carry such heavy emotions like anger or hatred.
Thanks again to everyone who have asked me time and time again to continue my blog. It was you all that helped me realize that people actually read and sometimes take what I have to say to heart. Thanks again