It’s that time of year again, the holidays are fast approaching. Shopping malls (if there are any left) are bracing for another busy season, and the Amazon.com deliveries are ready for their one-day trek across the country from distribution centers everywhere. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel the pressure. It’s the most wonderful time…
Before long, some of those toys will be in a closet somewhere, or perhaps the basement, and likely never to be seen again until a yard sale or moving day. Our human nature is interesting in that there are times that we want something so badly, we just can’t live without it. “But mom…I NEED that new iPhone, all my friends have it, and you can know where I am, and I just can’t live without it, and here’s a list with 10 reasons why I just have to have it!”
It’s easy for us “adults” to roll our eyes at our kids because we know that they don’t really NEED most of those things, but aren’t we that same way sometimes? Do we ever get a case of the “have to have’s”? If we don’t get our way, we may not outwardly stomp our feet in frustration, but on the inside there is certainly some stomping going on.
As I get older, I realize that there is certainly less that I really need. I would actually be better off if I could get rid of some of that stuff that I have. Although I hope my wife doesn’t read this or she may make me re-evaluate my precious t-shirt collection. I can’t believe she doesn’t think I need that shirt from high school, is there no respect for sentimentality anymore?
As we approach the holidays and this busy season, my suggestion is perhaps to think less of giving presents and to be more present. Distractions are everywhere. Our phones are glued to our hands. We’re worried about things we can’t control. The best thing about the holiday season to me is creating memories with family. My kids aren’t going to remember that awesome “whoseamathingy” they got when they were 8, but they will remember that feeling of being home and being loved. At least that’s what I want them to remember. This holiday season I’m going to do my best to give the gift of being present.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
“The great science to live happily is to live in the present.”
Pythagoras