Merry Christmas · 5:19pm Dec 25th, 2019
Sometimes sentiment is just as important as intent. This is one of those days. Because it's on these kind of days I often hear the statements of-
"I'm not Christian."
"I have to work on this day."
"I didn't get anything this year."
"I'm not with my family or friends."
"My family are assholes."
"It's too commercial."
These are legitimate statements and needs. But here's the other token. That doesn't stop the desire for others to do good. The point of Christmas cheer isn't that one can't be unhappy or must celebrate. The point is good will towards our fellow human, gift giving and time with people whom make you happy are just one application. And that is why I'm not deterred by those above statements to continue doing good.
You're not Christian? No problem, I shall bid you a happy celebration to whichever faith you ascribe to or merely as a purely secular celebration of life and will toward our fellows. I like to think any just and loving deity, should they exist, would be happy with humanity's earnest joy.
You have to work on Eve or Day? Then as stressful as that no doubt is, I have the utmost respect for you. This is the busy time of the year and you do an indispensable service to others. My salute is cast your way!
Alone on the holidays or surrounded by jackasses? The internet is a wonderful invention to bring people together. Hop on a chat, text a friend, or just kick back and relax by yourself. If you are whom makes you happy, then you can give yourself some goodwill.
It's too commercial you say? Well here's the other token. Exchanging goods, services, and money grants funds towards honest working people operating those shops and businesses. Many companies and family owned businesses make much of their earnings in this latter part of the year, so while the commercial side has negatives, it has a lot of positives. For every bad story of a Black Friday or Eve shopper, there are dozens to hundreds of unsung stories of happy customers aided by responsible staff and familial joy at receiving their gifts.
We focus so much on the bad. Christmas or any meaningful holiday is about taking a span of time away from that problematic time, being thankful for what we have, and sharing it with others. As a stop motion classic once said-
"Lots of unhappiness"? Maybe so, but doesn't Santa take a little bit of that unhappiness away? Doesn't a smile on Christmas morning scratch out a tear cried on a Saturday? Not much, maybe, but what would happen if we all tried to be like Santa, and learned to give as only he can give. Of ourselves, our talents, our love, and our hearts. Maybe if we could all learn Santa's beautiful lesson, maybe there would finally be "Peace on Earth, and goodwill toward man."
Give what you can, be it your time, your work, your talents, or your gifts; and maybe, we can all give back.
Merry Christmas everyone, and here's to a happy New Year.
Love,
Tarb
This is beautiful Tarb.
Absolutely beautiful... That one clip just sums it all up. Merry Christmas and have a happy new year Tarb.
Very nice look at it.
Merry Christmas my friend!
A beautiful speech that personifies what is great about this holiday.
Merry Christmas my good friend.
good gravy I love you, tarb, always ready to remind us that there's goodness in the world.
Merry Christmas to you, T. Give the little lady my regards.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Lovely sentiments there Tarb. Happy holidays to you too.
Merry Christmas! may God bless You all.
Beautifully spoken. I couldn't have ever said it better, myself. I only hope i've managed to do as much this time of year. But either way, thank you for giving such a cheering, and motivational speech on what this holiday really means. You're pretty wise.:)
All I can say is Merry Christmas, my friend, and I hope the holiday finds you in good spirits, and treats you as fair.:)
Merry Christmas, Tarb. ^^
Happy holidays Tarb
Thanks Tarb. I really needed that.
Not because I have something against Christmas, but simply because the previous days have left me very VERY tired.
Merry Christmas, Tarb! To all the comments! I have spoken.
Merry Christmas
Beautifully said, Tarb. Hope that you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas, Tarb!
I admit, I'm one of those guys. I love my family to death, but some of them get on my nerves a bit. Plus, we always have big family parties at my grandparents and it is usually pretty cramped. I'm not too comfortable with large groups in enclosed spaces. Plus, a few years ago, there was a touch of drama and it sort of soured Christmas for me a tad as I'm afraid that there'll be a repeat. Finally, I've always wanted a kind of quiet Christmas by myself.
However, this year, Christmas was actually pretty fun and good. My relatives are still a bit annoying, but not TOO bad today (with the exception of a cranky baby cousin). Plus as this may be the last Christmas at my grandparents house (they may be moving to a more movable home due to their age), having a fun Christmas here is paramount. Also there will be plenty of times to spend Christmas alone if I want. Enjoy now.
Jesus Christ that was beautiful, Merry Christmas to you too Tarb and a Happy New Year
Amen to every word of that. God bless and Happy Holidays to ya.
A fitting image for a good blog. Merry Christmas.
A few hours late for me, but Merry Christmas regardless
Well spoken, Tarb, and belated Merry Christmas to you.