It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for some people, the Christmas cheer may seem lacking. The days are shorter, the weather outside is, well, not necessarily frightful, but it can be tiring, and thanks to Santa, budgets are tighter than ever. Perhaps when we enter or leave a conversation, instead of allowing our stresses to control our words and actions, we could become more mindful of offering a happy holidays message. After all, kindness is the one thing anyone can afford this holiday season, and unlike other forms of currency or goods, kindness can never be squandered. Here are 3 reasons it is okay to say Happy Holidays, and why it is important to spread a Happy Holidays message.
It’s Not All About You
During the winter season, there are 14 religious holidays that are celebrated:
- Mawlid el-Nabi (Islam)
- Advent Fast (Orthodox Christian)
- Hanukkah (Judaism)
- St. Nicholas Day (Catholic)
- The Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
- The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic)
- Posadas Navidenas (Christian)
- Solstice (Wiccan)
- Christmas (Christian)
- Zarathosht Diso (Zoroastrian)
- Feast of the Holy Family (Catholic)
- Holy Innocents Day (Christian)
- Watch Night (Christian)
- Rohatsu (Buddhist)
We have been gifted with a vibrant, beautiful world filled with people who have fascinating and unique qualities that make each of us as individuals an asset to our collective culture. Wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate the things we have in common, rather than bicker and compete because of the things that make us different? We all have to live together, and what better time of year to promote peace and goodwill to all than the year’s end?
Read More: Celebrating Hanukkah And Christmas
Instead of trying to make people see things from your perspective, take the opportunity to practice kindness and openness in a world that is all too often inhospitable and unkind. When a well-meaning cashier or retail worker offer you a “Happy Holidays”, simply offer a Happy Holidays message in return, and keep allowing that kindness to control your words.
The Holidays Can Be Lonely
The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is 33 days long, and for many Americans, this seems to be the longest and loneliest time of the year. For some elderly people, they have no one with whom they can spend this holiday season, let alone fuss over choosing gifts or planning the holiday menu. It is just another day in a world that does not include their feelings or emotions.
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For others, they may have just lost a loved one, lost a job, or are in the midst of enduring yet another transition period in their life and they feel defeated. There are people we encounter every day who are trying to push through each day during this holiday season. For whatever reason, they don’t feel “holly jolly”. Take the care and time to look them in the eye and say some sort of well-meaning greeting (Happy Holidays…Seasons Greetings…) and let them know they are not alone, and that they matter.
A Happy Holidays Message Is A Nice Thing To Do
Our children are watching everything that we do. If we are going to ask them to “play nicely” with their friends, and realize they “can’t always get what they want”, then we need to expect that behavior out of ourselves, as well.
When someone wishes us “Happy Holidays”, it’s okay. It’s also okay to wish them the same. It’s a nice thing to do. Kindness and well-wishes should never be met with snark or corrective language. Accepting kindness is almost as important as giving it. This holiday season, sharing a happy holidays message is simply a nice thing to do in a difficult and oftentimes overwhelming world.
Let there be peace on earth. After all, it’s up to us.
Photo Credits: Pexels, Unsplash
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on 7 Ways To Celebrate World Gratitude Day.
