The above title, from a carol I performed in chorus many years ago, popped into my head when I thought about what to wish people for the holiday season. I’m careful these days about not offending anyone with religious, sexist, sexual or any other content. (The carol began with “God Bless Thee Merry Gentlemen,” which offends on so many levels. I’ll just use the pertinent phrase which is “Tidings of Comfort and Joy.”)
Comfort
Comfort is whatever it means to you. Do you feel comfort spending time with family? Friends? People who are volunteers?
Would you rather curl up with a book you’ve wanted to read? (With or without the fireplace and “chestnuts roasting by” said “open fire.”)
Reliving happy memories via family videos, albums, and visiting with family can mean comfort for some people. Nothing elaborate, just talking and sharing.
We place so much pressure around the celebrations of the holiday season! My suggestion: Lower the pressure level to make the season a comfort, even if it means you purchase cookies instead of baking them from scratch. Or buy a mix and bake them while you read your book. Instead of five or more side dishes, how about making 2-3 and asking others to bring one dish? Usually, people will be glad to participate on that level.
Give yourself a break! Eliminate items from your list. I used to put up a tree, decorate it, and clean up the needles if it was real. I switched to a “fake” tree—no needles. And, when the family members dispersed around the country and couldn’t make the trip, I stopped putting up the tree. I missed the colorful ornaments (and the family visits), but the time I saved allowed me to bake a batch of cookies, read a book, watch a movie, or take a nap.
Rework your traditions, so you enjoy the time you spend and the people you spend it with!
Joy
No pressure. Joy can be seemingly small things. Eat what you like! During the holidays, give yourself permission to take the last piece of your favorite dessert! If you’re hosting a gathering, give everyone a task so you can enjoy the party, too!
For me, I’ve been joyful just watching a toddler laugh as he reacted to his parent. The recent movie, The Family Plan, had me cracking up because of the baby’s laughter. (The movie’s premise immediately told me there’d be a lot of violence and car chases, but they labeled the film a comedy! Go figure.)
Another joyful moment that just popped into my head was when I was on a whale watch off the Massachusetts coast years ago. A whale was following the boat where I was standing near the bow. Suddenly, the whale was looking at me, as if trying to communicate! I looked intently at the whale. I don’t know what the whale was trying to tell me, but I was joyful and thrilled to have had that encounter!
Notice these joyful experiences were not major, life-changing events. My marriage to my husband was a joyful event, but dealing with arrangements kept me from being able to bask in the joy until later.
Take joy from everyday experiences, because they build a feeling of happiness and contentment. Just making your bed, or giving someone a gift, or finding a great new recipe that everyone loves is a cause for joy.
I wish you the happiness you want and the comfort and joy you’ve yearned for. Recently, when I stayed at a hotel, the front desk clerk would respond when I wished her a wonderful day, “I wish you the same.” The way she spoke, it had great depth to it. It resonated with me. And her simple phrase made the day sunnier.
Happiness to all! And tidings of comfort and joy!
Warmest regards,
Shelley Sommers
Romance and non-fiction author
shelley@shelleysommers.com
www.shelleysommers.com
PS COVER REVEAL! I’m including the cover for my next book, A VISION OF HOME! Please let me know if you like the cover by sending me an email to: shelley@shelleysommers.com
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!