My observations over the years would lead me to believe that whether one is celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else at this time of year, there seems to be a willingness to reach out to others in a more positive manner.
Many of you are familiar with the story of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. If not, I would encourage you to become so. The story takes place in a town called Whoville where everyone is excited about Christmas except the misanthropic Grinch. Cindy Lou Who, a six-year-old, befriends the Grinch and decides to make him the center of attention at the town’s Christmas celebration. To make a long story shorter, the Grinch participated in the celebration, but got ticked off and stole all the gifts in town. The town’s people were outraged. Lou Lou Who, Cindy Lou’s dad, reminds the people that they don’t need gifts and takes the opportunity to remind everyone that Christmas is about spending time with family and friends. The people finally recognize this truth and break out in joyous singing, which the Grinch hears and he too recognizes that Christmas means much more than material gifts. In fact, as a result of this realization the Grinch’s heart grows to three times its normal size. He returns the town’s gifts and everyone lives happily ever after.
It would be nice if things were that simple in the real world and everyone lived happily thereafter, but unfortunately that is not the case. I would like to share a few things we can learn from the above story along with a few thoughts of my own.
People can be sad and discouraged for reasons we may not understand. It is not ours to judge, but it is a great opportunity to reach out and offer a hand of compassion and help.
Don’t get stressed out about material gifts during the season, but instead spend time with family, friends and coworkers strengthening relationships. Who can even remember what material gift they received for Christmas last year? However, you can probably remember vividly how you were treated throughout the year by those around you.
Let your heart grow bigger and softer and forget about all those things that upset you and make you angry.
Reflect upon the things you have instead of worrying about things you want.
If you see someone who needs a helping hand have the courage to let them know you are willing to help. Serving others can help minimize our own problems.
Have hope that things will get better and just like the people of Whoville, understand that joy and happiness can come from the little things .
If you’re lonely find someone else who feels the same way and have a socially distanced party. (:
It’s my hope that we won’t wait for the holidays to be more like the people of Whoville, but that we can find joy in the little things and reach out to others throughout the year.
Happy holidays and may 2021 be a much better year!
Mayor Berube