There are certain words that come into style only during particular times of the year. Such as the words you hear during the Christmas season, which has just passed (but should be heeded to all year long).
How about the words "goodwill towards men"? That should suffice ALL year long; yet in this day/age we've seemed to let things like kindness, courtesy, manners, morals, and compassion fly out the window. You try to do something nice for somebody, and more than likely, you're gonna get your head chewed off (or worse), or told to stop being a goody two-shoes.
How about the word "Noel"? What does that exactly mean, anyway? You hear it sung in songs like "O, Holy Night" and "The First Noel". Are we singing praises to the newborn Babe in the Manger, or what?? I've never really been able to figure that one out.
Does the words "evergreen" or "holly" mean anything to you? To me, they mean wonderful smells that tickle our cold, frosty noses. There's just something about the tantalizing, mouth-watering smells of pine and holly that truly tells people that "CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!"
How about "Jingle Bells" or "Silent Night"? Jingling bells are such a cheerful sound; it brings smiles or excitement to the faces of those who are privileged o take an old fashioned sleigh ride in the snow, and there isn't a person on this big, green earth who doesn't wish for a "silent night": Christmas can be such a noisy time of the year, especially when kids tear into their packages that Santa Claus left for them and soon hear the sounds of bells, whistles, and clanking as they test out their new toys and games.
What about eggnog? Fried turkey done up a hundred different ways? Home-made stuffing? Piping-hot mashed potatoes slathered with gravy? Freshly prepared fruit (or other) salads? The mouth watering smell of sugary treats guaranteed to test the patience of any serious dieter trying to lose the extra weight before the new year?
What about "Christmas party"? Or Cantata (or Christmas Pageant)? Somehow everyone has places to go to, people to see/visit, music to hear as they brag about family members who are bringing the true meaning of Christmas (or not) in song or dance? What about the carols or the more secular songs that herald the arrival of the Christmas season??
Somehow "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" isn't exactly brimming with Christmas cheer, and neither is "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas"! If you ask me, I think the songs are pretty darn silly!
Here's another one: how about the words "Salvation Army"? Or "Toys For Tots"? Don't you think that there are people who would like to have a Christmas of their very own too, but because of life's circumstances, they've fallen on hard times? People seem to remember only the children (they should; after all, it's been said that Christmas IS for kids!), but there are plenty of adults (the elderly/frail, the homebound/disabled, the unemployed or underemployed) who can't afford to get their family members presents, a decent meal, or even a Christmas tree.
I am sure they'd love to be remembered too, and not just at Christmas!
Poverty/homelessness or sickness doesn't go away after Christmas is overwith and done!
To me, the language of Christmas is full of hope, joy, expectation. Maybe that is why I enjoy Christmas so much. In fact, I enjoy it so much, I have my house decorated all year. Christmas is my passion, and I choose to celebrate it all year long. People may look at me strangely, but oh, well! I'm living proof of sharing the Christmas spirit all year long! I think more people need to do the same: then maybe the world would be a lot better place to be!
Merry Christmas!!
