Something interesting happens around the holiday season.
No, not the madhouse driving, or brawls in department stores over a new line of athletic shoes.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
The holiday season brings out a bit of magic. Some of us call it “Christmas spirit.” Regardless of anyone religious celebration, typically the season consists of lights, decorations, gift giving, lots of food, charity, and time with friends and family. It’s a time of celebration. It’s a time when most of us typically feel a bit more charitable towards the other people who share the planet with us.
That little bit of magic often extends into our New Year’s celebration. We feel a since of renewal, and we share good tidings for a good new year. Many people set, and tell others about, resolutions for the New Year; which are almost always a personal promise to do better in one way or another. I’ve yet to hear someone with a resolution to be more selfish or crabbier, even though it often ends up being the final result.
Just the same, we leap into the holidays and the New Year with joy, glee, and warmth in our heart.
Somewhere, as we roll past the holidays, we also leave our good tidings and cheer along the roadside. Why is that? Why is it that during one select point in time we all fill with genuine awe for life, and for the world around us? Does it really take such a huge and all-encompassing reminder for most of us to have and spread good tidings?
Can’t we possess the holiday spirit all year long?
LIKE A BEAR IN THE WOODS
I liken the holiday vibe to camping.
I’ve always been perplexed how most of us inherit a temporarily new and trusting view of the world when in the woods. My current home with my wife consists of all the doors having double locks, and an entire alarm system enshrining the house. My wife, that silly little bugger, even locks her car doors, with the car inside our closed and locked garage. It’s quite endearing, actually 
But, what do we fear? And why, once we head into the woods, does the fear dissipate?
When one camps, typically it’s done in a tent. In a small enclosed room made of fabric that has no locks and no place to hide from an intruder. And how is it that people never, or rarely, steal at a camp ground? I’ve camped many times in my life. I’ve gone for hikes and left things in my tent. I’ve gone to sleep, often with camping equipment left right outside my tent. Is it a matter of only honest and trustworthy people camp? And if so, how come the “bad people,” the “stealers” haven’t caught wind of this?
I think it’s more a product of our environment. Somehow, we have all just made a pact. We have an unspoken oath agreed upon when entering into the woods or a campground. Respect my things, I’ll respect yours. Don’t harm me, and I won’t harm you.
Seems like an oath we should all take outside of the woods, as well, no?
The holidays are equally a product of our environment. There is an unspoken oath that we agree upon to spread cheer freely. Each year, when the New Years ball drops, we wash away the year prior, and stand hopeful with each other that the next year will be “so much better.” Of course, that shared hopefulness often lasts a day or two, but it’s there in unison. Even if temporary, there is unison….
CAPABLE OF SO MUCH MORE
So, it’s not that any of us are incapable of good cheer to others. It’s not that any of us are incapable of respecting each other. I shouldn’t feel unsafe in our world, whether in my own locked down home, or inside a tent out in BFE. I’m capable of more. As a human race, we are capable of more. It’s all about choice, and before any choice, it’s imperative to know the options; good cheer or grumpy, respect or disrespect. We are capable of any of the options, but what do we choose?
I know, I know. I’m so naive.
Believe me when I say, I’m aware of the challenges in our society, and I’m fairly familiar with pain. I just happen to believe I’m capable of contributing good cheer and respect to others, regardless of my pain or fears. I’m capable of bringing Christmas to July, and a feeling a safety from the woods to my front door. I’m capable. And I’m confident I’m not the only one.
A continued Merry Christmas to you all. A continued Happy New Year to you all. And, happy camping!
