Here is a radical suggestion—the real meaning of Christmas comes from accepting our current situation or condition in life. As the saying goes "we cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." During the Christmas season, some may have high expectations. We expect something big and exciting to come to our lives. Christmas provides a temporary relief from the mundane day to day challenges of being human. We generally feel better about ourselves. We are happier. The Christmas carols are cheerful. We do the parties, receive Christmas bonuses, we shop until we drop, and of course we participate in the traditional exchange gifts. Christmas is uplifting and a much needed respite from our busy world. But we must be careful in thinking that the holiday is what makes us happy. We may be setting ourselves for a disappointment.
The term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also called the "holiday depression." Psychologists believe that many suffer from the holiday blues due to unmet expectations. This type of depression hits harder during Christmas partly due to what our society expects of us. The noise and frenzy of the season put pressure on us to act in a joyful way. The crowds at the mall push us to shop and shop. The media tells us that if we are not partying or drinking or shopping, we are not in the Christmas spirit. After the holidays and all the partying, emptiness sets in.
All of a sudden, when Christmas passes, the carols stop. The bells jingle no more. For some, giving becomes out of season. The celebration dies down. Our friends go off in different directions. We are back to the same old daily routine. Our ordinary lives resume. For many, the expectations are not met. The season of light comes to a sudden darkness. And we long again for the next Christmas to arrive.
How can we make the excitement of Christmas last even after Christmas? How can we be happy everyday? Why can’t we be cheerful and merry in our daily lives? The idea that Christmas brings happiness only once a year needs to be revisited.
The reason for the season is not necessarily the arrival of Santa Claus. It’s nice to receive a present. And sometime it’s even better to give. But the season serves as a reminder of what our lives should be every day. The birth of Jesus Christ is a day of celebration and joy. But it’s not meant to last just for a day. The joy should not fade or wither away. Christmas marks only the beginning. And each day that follows must carry greater joy for Christ is now here –with us.
The conditions of our lives do not change just because Christmas arrives. Our problems do not go away when we hear "Santa Clause is coming to Town." When we realize that in accepting our situation in life, we are challenged to learn and grow. We then see that the events of our lives serve a purpose. It doesn’t matter what the purpose or destination is because it is in this journey that we evolve as an individual and as a people.
Experience Christmas comes from within. Christmas comes from the heart. It doesn’t matter what it brings or what we expect. Every day brings an opportunity to learn and grow. It is in this learning and growth that we experience happiness if not contentment. Christmas reminds us of what we can experience daily. We don’t have to wait. We can be happy now and tomorrow and next day and forever. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Lazaro Law Group represents immigrants in all 50 States. The firm handles Civil litigation, Family Law and Business. The main offices are located in Downtown San Francisco with branch offices in Newark, Fremont and Union City and an international office in Makati Philippines. Please call them at (415) 278-9577 or Email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Website: www.LazaroLaw.com.
( Published December 25, 2009 Asian Journal Northern California p. B5 )
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