Holidays are a blessing to some and others dread their arrival. Why do we have Holidays? Surely celebrating a big event like
Fourth of July or Christmas is definitely time to bring out decorations and prepare meals fit for a king or queen. But does everyone feel same - are there always smiles and anticipation? Holidays were created as a respite from our day to day workabout world. Even our founding fathers realized that pioneers and settlers needed that “time out”. All through generations, holidays have served as a means of bringing family, friends, neighbors, and assorted critters together to share a meal, watch a parade, listen to a band, and have fun. But not all holidays are met with same amount of enthusiasm. Many people do not relish idea of gathering with friends or family and would prefer to just keep on working or doing whatever it is they do. This is fine for them, but for others this would eliminate a very vital part of our lives.
People celebrate for a lot of different reasons. Patriotism, religious belief, civil remembrances, and ethnic backgrounds are just a few aspects in our lives that denote a special date as a holiday. But there are personal or family holidays as well. We have birthdays, anniversaries and we take time to denote a particular day as “special”. All holidays do not have to be big, expensive and include a hundred or more people. They can be on a scale from a grand event that includes entire cities, towns, or even countries, but they can be between two people, a family, or just a few select relatives or friends.
We can celebrate and mark a holiday for whatever we choose. Of course, it is always fun to plan and anticipate major ones (Christmas, Easter, New Year’s, etc.) There are food holidays that will brighten our menu plans and give us a chance to try out different foods and styles of eating. (Chinese New Year, Snail Week, Taco Day, etc.) We have remembrance days (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.). Its always nice to pay respect to those who have given more than their share to preserve lifestyle we maintain and freedom we enjoy.
If you dread holidays, maybe you are just looking at them through “past” glasses. If there were unpleasant moments when family or friends gathered, a specific holiday that triggers a personal loss, or tragic event, then feel free to reflect on whatever memory is, but also give yourself right to pay your respects and then move on to day. What happened with “cousins” on last family reunion may never happen again or it may surface each time they get together. Don’t let these unfortunate incidents mar any future celebrations. If need be, if loss or memory is perhaps too painful, celebrate in your own way or in a simplified way. Of course, remembering our family, or friends is a definite tribute to them, but a far greater one would be to go on and move ahead. Tuck away their accomplishments, your attachment, or feelings into your heart, and know that they are safe and forever. Then enjoy whatever celebration is at hand, and participate. At first, you may want to take it slowly, test water, and find your own niche in whatever is going on. As time passes, be braver and attempt a step further and a little more involvement. Before you know it, life will again become a time of enjoyment and holidays will not be a dreaded affair.
