‘Tis the Season
‘Tis the season, indeed!
The thing I love most about the holidays is not the presents, not the food (well, it’s kind of the food), not the spiked eggnog at the holiday parties (though that helps too) – it’s the joy of the season. As I get older, the holidays have taken on a different meaning. I used to thrive off of the tradition of going to both Christmas Eve services at my church, eating Chinese food with the Jewish side of the family, and then opening one present from under the tree. I’ve since ceased my once-a-year church-going operations, and while I still try maintain the Chinese food tradition, it’s hard now that I’ve moved away from Atlanta.
I have, however, totally and completely encompassed myself in the full-on spirit of the holidays. Not just Christmas, but everything that each December holiday brings – joy, kindness, good will, patience, smiles, singing, purity, etc.
I acknowledge that there are scrooges out there, and I also acknowledge that in the past, up until Christmas Eve, I was a scrooge myself. But these days I can barely wait for Thanksgiving because I am dying to put up my 1 ft. tall Target Christmas tree as soon as it’s over! It’s funny how decorations can make you happy like that. But the thing is, who cares? Who cares what it is about this season that makes us happy? For many, it is the presents, or the cookies, or the spiked eggnog that is only socially acceptable to drink once a year, and so be it! Let’s all find joy in whatever way we can to fully embrace the holidays! It doesn’t even have to be for a reason. I honestly have no idea why I’ve been on cloud nine during this season, other than why not? Why not be especially friendly with people on the street, saying “Happy holidays” as you pay for your morning coffee, or as you hold the door open for someone. And then, here’s a novel idea, why not continue this kindness throughout the year? Hey, there’s a thought! Let the holiday spirit spill into the new year, because let’s be honest – there’s a holiday in almost every month of the year, whether it’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, or Fourth of July, or even Columbus Day – there’s always some sort of “holiday” that should carry on with that joy and kindness that we feel in December. So here it is, my proclamation for 2011: Let the joy not be confined to a specific season, but to a specific reason. And the reason is, why not?
'Tis the Season
‘Tis the season, indeed!
The thing I love most about the holidays is not the presents, not the food (well, it’s kind of the food), not the spiked eggnog at the holiday parties (though that helps too) – it’s the joy of the season. As I get older, the holidays have taken on a different meaning. I used to thrive off of the tradition of going to both Christmas Eve services at my church, eating Chinese food with the Jewish side of the family, and then opening one present from under the tree. I’ve since ceased my once-a-year church-going operations, and while I still try maintain the Chinese food tradition, it’s hard now that I’ve moved away from Atlanta.
I have, however, totally and completely encompassed myself in the full-on spirit of the holidays. Not just Christmas, but everything that each December holiday brings – joy, kindness, good will, patience, smiles, singing, purity, etc.
I acknowledge that there are scrooges out there, and I also acknowledge that in the past, up until Christmas Eve, I was a scrooge myself. But these days I can barely wait for Thanksgiving because I am dying to put up my 1 ft. tall Target Christmas tree as soon as it’s over! It’s funny how decorations can make you happy like that. But the thing is, who cares? Who cares what it is about this season that makes us happy? For many, it is the presents, or the cookies, or the spiked eggnog that is only socially acceptable to drink once a year, and so be it! Let’s all find joy in whatever way we can to fully embrace the holidays! It doesn’t even have to be for a reason. I honestly have no idea why I’ve been on cloud nine during this season, other than why not? Why not be especially friendly with people on the street, saying “Happy holidays” as you pay for your morning coffee, or as you hold the door open for someone. And then, here’s a novel idea, why not continue this kindness throughout the year? Hey, there’s a thought! Let the holiday spirit spill into the new year, because let’s be honest – there’s a holiday in almost every month of the year, whether it’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, or Fourth of July, or even Columbus Day – there’s always some sort of “holiday” that should carry on with that joy and kindness that we feel in December. So here it is, my proclamation for 2011: Let the joy not be confined to a specific season, but to a specific reason. And the reason is, why not?
What increases Patti Digh’s Joy Factor?
My Joy Factor was raised exponentially when I listened to Patti Digh share about her new book, Four Word Self Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives and Life is A Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful and Live Intentionally at the Decatur Book Festival this past weekend. Thank you, Patti, for sharing with us what increases your Joy Factor! Many thanks as well to Patti’s daughter, for her cameo in the video-love your manicure, Tess!
Look for Patti’s new book coming soon.
What increases Patti Digh's Joy Factor?
My Joy Factor was raised exponentially when I listened to Patti Digh share about her new book, Four Word Self Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives and Life is A Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful and Live Intentionally at the Decatur Book Festival this past weekend. Thank you, Patti, for sharing with us what increases your Joy Factor! Many thanks as well to Patti’s daughter, for her cameo in the video-love your manicure, Tess!
Look for Patti’s new book coming soon.
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The Joy Factor
Welcome fellow Happiness Pioneers! You've come to the right place if you are looking to raise your Joy Factor. My vision is for everyone to live a life aligned with their passions and full of joy. The intention of this site is to offer you juicy nuggets that will increase your experience of joy and delight. Take a look around, grab something yummy and share the joy.
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