I Believe

This time of year causes us all to regress a bit I think. We are having more fun, we are more cheery and perhaps exhibit a slightly greater than usually courtesy. We know we are going to get something new and shiny, we know this because we were really good! Right? But I also see some tantrums, impatience and harsh words. I think of the children's holiday movies from my youth such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman. These ADULT behaviors are seen in those simple movies. The mean reindeer's that won't accept Rudolph and let him be part of their hood, or the cranky magician who keeps trying to steal back the magic hat, not so much for what it does but because he doesn't want anyone else to have it! Sound like any of the people you have met in the stores this week? Many of the "naughty" grown ups are having a hard time sharing with others.
What I believe often causes such unattractive behavior is that we choose to celebrate or not celebrate this day only once a year. There is so much pressure and so many high hopes for the day, that one single day, that the slightest deviation from the "plan" has people all in a dither. I imagine that is what set the reindeer off. Why did the "special" reindeer get to lead, what made him so high and mighty, this is not how it has ALWAYS been done, how can Santa do this??
So how do we protect our holiday spirit and perhaps help others to learn to be nice. The reindeer eventually gave the new deer order a try and they were able to save Christmas! What would it be like if those irritable grown ups spent just a second before stealing the last parking spot or grabbing the shopping cart you were getting ready to put your little bundle of joy in. What if they looked into the eyes of those around them and suddenly had "human" contact. Hmmmm Even the Grinch's heart grew once he saw that Whoville would still love him even if he was different.
Perhaps we can start a trend. Offer that parking space to the other car, hand off a basket for their shopping, use nice words and be patient. This is the one time in my life that I think world wide use of iPods would be wonderful as very few people are hostile when they are singing. Christmas carols are great to remind us of the joy we are supposed to be building.
I believe we can all have a wonderful holiday, we just might have to help a few find their way. I believe we can all get along even if we are of two totally different backgrounds. I believe we can celebrate all year long and when the actual holiday arrives we will have perfected our "nice" behavior and will truly spread joy to the world. I believe!