This time of year is a lot of things to a lot of people. Whether you say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas, we all recognize something special in the air. I have always found it difficult to kick myself in the direction of the Christmas spirit. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, opening presents, giving gifts, seeing, and catching up with family and friends. I only wonder what the secret is to acquiring that “spirit” and enjoying it sooner and longer.
I had a conversation with my son a couple of weeks ago. He was excited about something and working very diligently on a project at the table. He had notebook paper, crayons, and scissors scattered among the mess of his workspace. I asked Cole, “what are you doing buddy?” “I’m making decorations, Daddy.” As we continued to converse over his excitement of the season, he let me know that he couldn’t wait for Santa to come. He couldn’t wait for Christmas to be here. He gave me pause. As we all find ourselves so busy at this time of year, trying to buy those perfect gifts, or making sure those Christmas lights are hung up with the all the care to out-do the neighbors, we lose sight of the true meaning of this time of year. To my 4-year-old son, it’s Santa and his sleigh pulled by reindeer and opening presents. He doesn’t know of the stresses of year end reports that need to be done, he doesn’t care whether the boss wants you to work overtime, or if shipping of the perfect gift cannot be completed from our supply chain challenges. All he can think about is when an imaginary oversized character in red comes to deliver presents. Makes you think.
Our year has flown by, we have seen the return of major sports, kids have found themselves back in classrooms, and many of our meetings have returned to face to face. Large weddings have returned, funerals without fear of social distancing, and regular gatherings have come back with the same enjoyment as old. We look back and remember a year like 2020 when we longed for the company of family and friends and recognize the value in what we have. I guess when I think of Christmas, this is my joy…my “spirit.” We are all blessed in different ways.
To you and yours, I wish you the best of blessings, Joy to the World, the excitement of the delivery of the Christ child, and the arrival of Santa Claus.
P.S. Fun Fact from our Admin., Megan : Male reindeer shed their antlers in early December. Females, however, keep their antlers throughout the winter. Therefore, Santa’s sleigh is pulled by an all-girl crew!
Merry Christmas and Blessings to all from the team at Rundahl Financial Consultants.