A Season To Celebrate
photo credit: Marcin Wichary
I love the joke about the Catholic monk who spent hours in the monastery’s library only to emerge in a fluster, running through the hallways screaming, “It says celebRate, ‘ce-le-bRRRate!
Perhaps you need to be Catholic to understand the joke, so let me explain. In the Catholic tradition, priests, monks and nuns take a vow of celibacy. The joke implies that we have unnecessarily endured pain when we were meant to enjoy life. Instead of being celibate, we should celebrate.
Ask yourself if you’re doing the same. Are you sighing about the hassle and cost of Christmas, or celebrating the happiness of the season?
Count your blessings
Instead of worrying about how much the presents are going to cost,
Be grateful that you have so many special people in your life to buy gifts for.
Instead of fussing over getting the house cleaned up for visitors,
Remember that what makes a house a home is the love and laughter in it.
Instead of lamenting how quickly another year has gone by,
Thank God (or the stars, whatever) for one more year of living.
Instead of feeling the fatigue from hours of shopping,
Make the most of the exercise that you’re getting.
Remember what matters
Instead of trying to find the perfect gift for each person,
Know that it’s not about the gift; it’s about the friendship.
Instead of listing down all the things you have to do,
Write down the thoughts you want to think.
Instead of decorating the house, the tree and the table,
Beautify yourself with love, peace and joy.
Instead of planning a scrumptious dinner to fill the tummy,
Savour the chance to create memories that fill the heart.
Make it last
Instead of impressing others with your wit in conversation,
Create bonds of understanding by listening better.
Instead of stashing away the gifts you cannot use,
Give them to someone who needs them more.
Instead of missing the tree after it’s taken down,
Plant the seeds of gratitude in your children.
Instead of feeling sad when Christmas is over,
Know that each moment etches itself in eternity and lasts forever.
Celebrate the chance to celebrate
As I grow older, I appreciate rituals more and more. They remind us that we are part of a tradition, that there is something important enough in our lives to make a fuss about, and that we have people around us to celebrate with.
I am so glad that it’s going to be Christmas soon, and hope you’re looking forward to it and enjoying the season too!
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10 Responses to “A Season To Celebrate”
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December 18th, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
Hi Daphne! Very meaningful post and I agree that we need to just focus on celebrating the little things in life :) I’m totally looking forward to Christmas – it is one of my favourite seasons of the year! It’s one of those seasons where you can just feel its spirit and love in the air :)
December 18th, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
Hi Daphne,
It’s easy to get caught up in all the “Christmas” activities, and forget, really, what we’re celebrating. Thanks for the reminder to really embrace the idea of a simpler Christmas…
December 18th, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
@ Celes, glad you like the post, and that you’re looking forward to Christmas. Only a week away!
@ Lance, you’re right that we tend to be activity-driven rather than meaning-driven. Wonder why. Hey, that would make a great topic for a post – let’s see who does one first! ;)
December 18th, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
Daphne — Ready…set…go! (okay I’m not really starting right now…but I may take you up on this challenge!!)
December 19th, 2008 @ 9:37 am
You’re on, Lance!
December 20th, 2008 @ 3:54 am
I love this! There is always a silver lining to a seemingly bad or hopeless situation – especially the small things we stress over in our daily lives.
December 20th, 2008 @ 11:44 pm
I found you through Stacy. What a great post.
I love every word of todays post!
Tess
December 21st, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
@ Carla, isn’t it amazing how we let the small things get to us? I have to constantly ask myself “is this worth spending minutes or hours of my limited life on?” Thanks for your comment and for liking my post – gives me a reason to keep writing!
@ Tess, welcome to Joyful Days, and thank you for your lovely comment! Glad you liked the post. If you loved every word then I’m assuming you caught the joke right away. I’m always tickled when someone else gets the joke so you made my day!
December 22nd, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this!! It’s good to remember the simple pleasures in life.
December 23rd, 2008 @ 7:24 am
Bellesouth, thank you! I find life much more joyful when I simplify to what’s really important.