Believe

As things are in full swing with the holiday season upon us, I have noticed a lot of clever ads that were designed to attract people with purchasing power to be able to spend their discretionary dollars at particular retailers.  Most have a heart warming ad that evokes the emotions associated with loved ones getting together for the holidays and celebrating the moment.  One particular campaign caught my eye with a simple one word written copy that stated, "Believe".  I thought this was clever as it covered a myriad of beliefs including all religions, without favoring any.  For myself, I liked the fact that there could be a unifying word that people could rally around and actually come together regardless of their beliefs, in order to spread goodwill and holiday cheer.  When I look around for other examples of how this can manifest itself, it becomes a bit more difficult to discern among the many commercialized aspects of our festive season.  I have seen people lose their spirit, while they are trying to exit a freeway near a mall that is jam packed with cars as far as the eye can see.  On a different occasion, there was the circling of cars looking for an open spot at a store and the determined looks on drivers illustrating how frustrating this side effect of a cheerful period can be.  All of which makes you wonder if our priorities are in the right place along with regard to why we believe that this period is so special. Conversely, there are many other joyful examples that have been shared that I have also witnessed which quickly make me change perspective.  In particular, with people that have their college children that were away at school and are making their way back home for an extended winter break.  For those with children of this age, I see how proud the parents are and how they beam with excitement as they welcome their children who appear to have matured and blossomed during their time away.  Again if you reflect on the word believe, then all of this can encompass your beliefs about life and how things come together at their appropriate time.  One of my favorite things to look forward to, is the traditions that we have fostered over the years as we recount how the past generations in our families laid the groundwork for how we celebrate today.  Whether it is the cooking of specific dishes, the decorating of our homes or the religious celebrations that we partake in through-out the season, they all add up to the experiences that have come to mean so much to us.  As we continue on with our list of to-do items and holiday preparations, I think it is important to reflect on why this period is so meaningful to all of us, while we also pause to remember the many individuals that are no longer here that formed the basis for many of our traditions.  Remember to share with your children or young relatives why you "believe" this season is so special along with your meaning for this complex word.  It is my hope that more people take a moment to stop and take this time in and be present.  Remember we are never guaranteed to live through another season and we must be thankful for all of the time that is now archived with our wonderful memories, rich traditions along with the faith in our beliefs for why this period is so special to all.