Holiday Hope

I sit here on Christmas Day during a small lull in the holiday excitement, and I am really happy. There are a lot of frustrating and disappointing things going on in my life, and on the whole it has been rather depressing. At this moment, however, though none of the problems are gone, there seems to be a lightness brought upon me. I am sure that some of it is the holidays themselves, but on top of that some people in my life have made a difference. Truth be told, a lot of them probably have no idea what they have done, and in fact many actions were so small that most wouldn't notice them. For whatever reason, with people I notice the smallest things, and they can often make a huge difference. It is such a thing now.

I think that the biggest thing that happens is that the holidays make people put down their fears and frustrations and just be. When that happens, I find that people do things unconsciously that can make people very happy. Whether it was my brother learning a new game from me, an estranged relationship having a casual conversation, a good friend from far away striking up a long and enjoyable conversation, or words of love spread around so freely, they all make a difference.

My birthday was also a week ago, and mixing that in with the holidays has aided in making a difference. I had a party at my favorite bar, and friends from many of the various aspects of my life all came together with even some of my family to create a great night. I enjoyed old friends, strengthened some budding relationships, and even made some new friends. Mix that with holiday cheer and it can certainly make for a good feeling.

I will say that this holiday was far from perfect, or even close to being great in comparison to some of the others. It was something good though. It was a reaffirmation in hope. Buying presents for friends and family, hearing people unconsciously singing in the streets, receiving words of love from those in your life. Somehow all of these things come together, and if you are willing to let them make something great happen, no matter what the circumstances. It doesn't matter if you are alone when you want to be with someone. It doesn't matter if your family is 4 hours late to Christmas dinner. It doesn't matter if you don't get the gift you were so hoping for. The holidays can still bring hope. I say not that these things are not saddening or difficult, or even that you won't have a bad day, but if you let what is going on around you as a whole grab onto you it can be a great thing.

It is funny that so many people feel slightly estranged from other religions at the holidays, because they all celebrate so differently. Personally, though my family doesn't quite agree, I like celebrating most of the holidays, religious or not during this season. What I find most amusing is that they all are based on hope. Whether they were created by the hope brought on by a continuously burning lamp, or the birth of a promised king, or the simple promise that winter's trials will be met with spring bounty, all these holidays bring people together in hope. No matter where your life is, you can gain that from the holidays. Things may not change that moment, but the hope can give you strength to face the challenges you have, and that is an amazing thing.