The jingling music, the twinkling lights, and the endless advertisements — the holiday season has arrived, whether we’re prepared or not. Currently, countless individuals are out in droves, lured by enticing “Black Friday” promotions that began long before the last bite of turkey was taken.
For many, including myself, this time of year can be challenging. The absence of family gatherings due to geographical distance, the overwhelming tide of consumerism, the lack of a holiday respite, and the looming shadows of sadness make me wish for a fast-forward button to January 2.
This year, there won’t be a festive family feast, nor will there be an abundance of gifts come Christmas. These are tough times, and financial constraints weigh heavily, regardless of the season. While I have never harbored resentment over our limited resources, I do find it frustrating that others are so fixated on material possessions.
I understand the allure; it’s easy to feel compelled to purchase gifts, indulge in food that may not be beneficial for one’s well-being, and stress over spending time with relatives that can be difficult to tolerate in large doses. However, when these options dwindle, a valuable lesson emerges — strive for gratitude rather than bitterness, and appreciate what you have.
During this season, I find it essential to distance myself from certain online content and television shows. The images of shoppers on Black Friday, fiercely competing for discounts on electronics, are particularly disheartening. Following the frenzy, scenes of quiet malls on Christmas Day flash by, showcasing families enjoying their time together. Yet, as soon as December 26 arrives, it’s back to the malls again, where the pursuit of post-holiday sales resumes as if Christmas had no lasting impact. For some, it seems the holiday fails to fill an emotional void.
As a child, and I suspect for many parents today, the holidays felt truly magical, devoid of stress and filled with wonder. The ability of parents to cultivate cherished traditions and maintain that enchantment is invaluable, a sentiment I carry with me.
I was fortunate to grow up in a large Polish family, where the holidays were spent around a table brimming with food and lively conversation. While a few gifts stand out in my memory, what I hold dear are the shared experiences, the meals we prepared, and the destinations we visited each year. Those moments embody what the holidays represent to me.
So, this year, as I encounter every Black Friday advertisement and hear complaints about the holiday season, I will consciously choose not to roll my eyes. Instead of joining in on the lamentations about the burdens of gift-giving, I might gently remind others to reflect on what makes the person they are shopping for special and how they wish them to feel when they unwrap their gifts.
Rather than racing through the season, it may be beneficial to pause and absorb the sights and smells around us, rather than overcommitting to exhausting social engagements. It’s worth asking, “What memories do I want to create?” and for those with children, “What memories do I want them to cherish?”
Despite the inevitable challenges that arise during this time — ranging from eccentric relatives making jokes at the dinner table to the ubiquitous holiday commercials — there are aspects within our control. We can choose gratitude for what we have and craft the memories we wish to keep.
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In summary, the holiday season has become a whirlwind of commercialism, yet amidst the chaos, we can find ways to cherish meaningful experiences, connect with loved ones, and cultivate gratitude.