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A more realistic view
Lights, movies, shopping, parties, tree lightings, and so much more create an illusion of what the holiday season is. Ok, maybe not a total illusion. Starting with movies.
As a true fan of holiday movies (I don't change channel from Hallmark until Dec. 26), I understand the whole point here. They are supposed to give hope / restore our beliefs in the "magic of the holiday season" and people. 1st reality check: They rarely mention about the true spirit of holiday season. You rarely see homeless people / shelter. People who are seriously depressed / suicidal. It is pretty much same story with a few variations. I know, they jam over 1 actual month into about 90 minutes. Seriously, how about a Hallmark movie that is less fantasy / illusion and more reality.
2nd reality check: Yes, everything lit up / stores open later / Christmas and Holiday Villages / trees / decorations / crowds / songs provide a great distraction, in between is another story. One we realize / think about for a few moments at best. This one: personal experience. What about we hide from others? Between my day job / 2 simultaneous editions I stay busy. There are moments when a holiday song will catch me off guard. "Through the years, we all will be together. If the fates allow." Yes, the memories are wonderful, a dual edged sword. Wishing for one more Christmas Eve with my belated wife. This part, I think everyone goes through.
Lights / trees / events and more. Plus, pressure of family / friends / loved ones getting together. So many people spend the holidays alone. Homeless / college students / not close with family / can't afford to travel, some examples. I know, modern technology reduces this aspect to a certain point. A person can't stay busy or distracted 24/7. Like I said, memories and ghosts catch us off guard, even this time of year.
Shopping / gift giving side: Around Thanksgiving is when this part kicks into top gear! Ads / retail / Christmas (Holiday) Villages / seeing people carrying more bags than usual. Black Friday / Small Business Saturday (really didn't hear much about this in 2023) / Cyber Monday / Giving Tuesday, plus 3 - 4 weeks after. "Need to buy that perfect gift!" "I forgot that person / their pet". Seriously increases stress we often are almost required to hide, especially this time of year. Not enough in budget? We feel bad about that part. Not being able to see reactions when opening gift.
Helping others: This part is becoming lost / forgotten. Even in holiday movies, you rarely see people helping homeless. Or, only a small part about helping a charity / non-profit. I know it can be difficult in all aspects here. Money is always tight, seriously. Time? Can't be replaced / schedules crazy this time of year. What a primary reason for holiday season used to be. I realize / all for things evolving. Change is one of the constants in our universe.
Here is an idea: Take a few moments next time you see a homeless person. Someone genuinely in need. I am not only talking about financially. A friend / acquaintance / family who may seem a little off during holiday season. Think about what they have survived. Memories / ghosts of holidays past they are reliving. The pain no one can sense. You would be surprised how many times; we have similar experiences. Maybe make a few moments. Let them know 2 things: They are not alone / another person is there when needed. "I knew that god had sent that little boy. To remind me what Christmas is all about." - The Christmas Shoes.
As a true fan of holiday movies (I don't change channel from Hallmark until Dec. 26), I understand the whole point here. They are supposed to give hope / restore our beliefs in the "magic of the holiday season" and people. 1st reality check: They rarely mention about the true spirit of holiday season. You rarely see homeless people / shelter. People who are seriously depressed / suicidal. It is pretty much same story with a few variations. I know, they jam over 1 actual month into about 90 minutes. Seriously, how about a Hallmark movie that is less fantasy / illusion and more reality.
2nd reality check: Yes, everything lit up / stores open later / Christmas and Holiday Villages / trees / decorations / crowds / songs provide a great distraction, in between is another story. One we realize / think about for a few moments at best. This one: personal experience. What about we hide from others? Between my day job / 2 simultaneous editions I stay busy. There are moments when a holiday song will catch me off guard. "Through the years, we all will be together. If the fates allow." Yes, the memories are wonderful, a dual edged sword. Wishing for one more Christmas Eve with my belated wife. This part, I think everyone goes through.
Lights / trees / events and more. Plus, pressure of family / friends / loved ones getting together. So many people spend the holidays alone. Homeless / college students / not close with family / can't afford to travel, some examples. I know, modern technology reduces this aspect to a certain point. A person can't stay busy or distracted 24/7. Like I said, memories and ghosts catch us off guard, even this time of year.
Shopping / gift giving side: Around Thanksgiving is when this part kicks into top gear! Ads / retail / Christmas (Holiday) Villages / seeing people carrying more bags than usual. Black Friday / Small Business Saturday (really didn't hear much about this in 2023) / Cyber Monday / Giving Tuesday, plus 3 - 4 weeks after. "Need to buy that perfect gift!" "I forgot that person / their pet". Seriously increases stress we often are almost required to hide, especially this time of year. Not enough in budget? We feel bad about that part. Not being able to see reactions when opening gift.
Helping others: This part is becoming lost / forgotten. Even in holiday movies, you rarely see people helping homeless. Or, only a small part about helping a charity / non-profit. I know it can be difficult in all aspects here. Money is always tight, seriously. Time? Can't be replaced / schedules crazy this time of year. What a primary reason for holiday season used to be. I realize / all for things evolving. Change is one of the constants in our universe.
Here is an idea: Take a few moments next time you see a homeless person. Someone genuinely in need. I am not only talking about financially. A friend / acquaintance / family who may seem a little off during holiday season. Think about what they have survived. Memories / ghosts of holidays past they are reliving. The pain no one can sense. You would be surprised how many times; we have similar experiences. Maybe make a few moments. Let them know 2 things: They are not alone / another person is there when needed. "I knew that god had sent that little boy. To remind me what Christmas is all about." - The Christmas Shoes.
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