Tuesday, April 16, 2024
As we begin the stretch run toward Christmas, with nine days to go until Christmas Eve, a well-orchestrated sense of urgency starts to simmer. Have we gotten our loved ones enough gifts, or the right gifts?
That lingering sense of urgency is nothing new, but there’s been a certain hysteria stirred up by some national media sources warning of supply line breakdowns, shortages and cargo ships a plenty of the West Coast unable to be unloaded.
The drumbeats of anxiety have been pounding for weeks if not months, and they get a little louder every day it seems, with the message that it may not be the traditional Christmas we’ve known for so long.
Is that really such a bad thing? Over the past several decades, what has been billed as the traditional Christmas is actually far from it. Sure, we sing songs about peace on earth, goodwill to men and the birth of a savior, but in the holiday shopping and preparation frenzy, it’s all to easy for that message to be drowned out.
I understand we all want to make our loved ones feel appreciated, but if we focus only on the material bounty of Christmas, then the message of hope, peace, love and salvation can be overshadowed, if not crowded out entirely.
If shortages and supply line breakdowns can instead lead people to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, is that really such a bad thing?
What do you think, Tallulah?
***
I know people get caught up in many different things during the Christmas season. It reminds me of some of my canine friends who chase their tails around and around. People laugh at those dogs, but aren’t people sometimes doing the same thing emotionally, especially during such a busy time as Christmas?
I’m lucky that as a dog, I don’t have to shop. My basic needs are taken care of, and the best presents I can ever get are Jeff coming home from work every day, spending time with me and taking me on walks (and of course, sharing food with me and the occasional treat or 10).
I guess dogs are easier to please, but I don’t think that’s such a bad thing. It doesn’t take too much to send us over the moon, and I think the fact that we keep a child-like innocence our whole lives is something a lot of people appreciate.
One of my best Christmas presents will be spending time with my human brother Sam over the holidays. That will bring me more true joy than the most impressive gift under a tree.
One of the songs my Daddy (Jeff) sang with his church choir was “Why Can’t it Be Christmas all year long?” Well, for me and a lot of other doggies out there, it is! We never lose that sense of excitement, joy and pure ol’ contentment. Finding joy in what matters most can be hard for some people, but many of you could learn a lesson or two from us dogs.
