Make the holiday season spirit last

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Col.) Richard Johnson
  • U.S. Joint Forces Command
Except for the feeding frenzy that can occur when last minute shoppers compete for the last half-dozen "Bouncing Tiggers" known to exist in the Western world, the holiday period is generally a time of widespread friendliness, hope, and cheer. There is a pervasive attitude of peace, love, and joy that fills the hearts of most people. Have you ever noticed that people are more friendly, cooperative, and helpful during the holidays?

Typically, however, this helpful and loving attitude seems to quickly disappear right after the holidays. Why is this the case? Why does the spirit of the holidays seem to disappear when the last of the holiday cookies are gone? Is there a secret ingredient in the festive foods that makes us love, accept, and cooperate with our fellow human beings?

The secret ingredient is in ourselves

No, the real answer lies in the fact that the holidays are also a time for remembering the deepest truths of humankind. All of the major religions of the world celebrate the holidays and the New Year as a time of reflection and rededication. The holidays are a time for remembering and rejoicing because of the many blessings that we all have received from God. They are also a time for reaffirming the common bonds and struggles of humankind. The holidays bring us closer to God, and therefore closer to each other.

Dinners served at the homeless shelters, gifts given to the needy and to orphans, letters written to lonely military members, visits made to nursing homes and past hurts that are forgiven and forgotten are hallmarks of the holiday season because they are reminders that we all share the same needs, hopes, desires, and dreams. We all live under the same sun, breathe the same air and drink the same water. Everyone desires love, companionship, acceptance and recognition. There is an undeniable bond that links us all.

Let the core values of the holiday linger in your lives

People frequently ask why the holiday spirit can't continue throughout the entire year. The truth is it could! If the special feelings of the holiday season are to continue past the time when the holiday decorations have come down, then we must continually and repeatedly remind ourselves of the common ties and desires that we share. We must continually draw closer to our God -- which will draw us closer to all humankind.

This holiday season, when we worship at our respective houses of worship, remember that the "core values" of the holiday season...those that we so deeply enjoy at this time of year, such as the "golden rule", the desire for true peace, and the love of fellow human beings...are not simply meant to be practiced only during the holidays! Live the spirit! Let the light of the holidays shine on in your lives! May God richly bless you and yours during this holiday season.

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