December 2001– Times Have Changed, but Spirits are Still High
A united country, after what was possibly our worst tragedy ever, expresses Holiday spirit during their travels. The lines are long virtually everywhere during the second half of December and an airport is the last place anyone wants to be, but is the first place they arrange to be when Christmas time rolls around. There is something different in the air, a certain peace, a bonding and the unspoken trust we place on one another in hopes to keep fear far away from our thoughts. Many of us have lost our faith in Santa. We don't have time for him because we have a country to protect. However, Santa's gifts of holiday spirit still weave their way through the country.
Even though Holiday traveling has lost its spirit this year, some people choose to stay spirited in the name of patriotism. Security during travel may be tiresome, annoying and time consuming; though, it should lift our sense of security. Entering the security stations at the Seattle airport consists of quite a few extra steps this year, including one guard giving verbal clearance to another guard after each person goes through the detector and again before they are allowed to retrieve their bags from the belt. Next, they pat you down and instruct you to remove your shoes in front of a guard. Extreme? Yes. Comforting? Should be.
A month ago, during Thanksgiving flight travel, two Southwest airline pilots said their passengers would approach them when entering the plane with comments such as, “Don't worry, I'm ex-military, I'll keep my eyes open for you.” The support (and testosterone) is comical but appreciated, according to the pilots.
Another gift from Santa is reunions. In Moscow, Idaho, a small university town, sisters go to the bars and coffee shops during Christmas week and within minutes they reunite with old high school and college friends. The conversations are repetitious with questions, such as, “What are you up to now?” or “What did you do after you graduated school?”
“It's the same, redundant conversations with different people when you reunite in a small town, but it has its charm,” says one sister, “It's a warming feeling to hear about old classmates' lives, their spouses, kids and careers. The holidays bring out the extrovert in most of us and I've reconnected with old acquaintances that could become true friends if we stay in touch.”
In small towns like Moscow, waiting in long lines at the mall and grocery store is usually supplemented with the sight of familiar and friendly faces to converse with and make the lines go quicker. There is a unique touch of calmness and friendliness in the smaller communities during the holiday hustle and bustle.
What September 11th didn't take from us, is the most precious aspect of Christmas: the excitement for kids. Grown ups are typically pleased with the simpler gifts, like cookies and crafts, or just togetherness. Material gifts are material, but it's magical to see a child's eyes lighten as they tear through wrapping paper and when they inquire about Santa.
There are countless ways to give to a child during the holidays. In most cities there are programs, shelters, and fundraisers listed on the Internet or in the local newspaper. Many people have their hands full with their own children at home – either way, every child deserves to believe in a Santa.
Don't forget, the thought of Santa is not just of a jolly man, with rosy cheeks and a red suit. Santa and his reindeer are a form of faith – faith in the goodness of people and the miracle of life. Miracle on 34th Street is a must-see movie during the holidays, either the old classic or the remake. Another must-see is called Prancer. Both are available on video. These movies give an amazing dose of love and faith and should be viewed by people of all ages. If you've seen them – watch them again. Watch them every year.
“I noticed everyone seems to be giving sentimental gifts this year,” says Kristin of Issaquah, Washington. “My friend, Sara, set up an early gift exchange for her close friends and family. It was an extra special evening for Sara and family because she recently lost her older brother in a car accident.” This is an example that the gift of giving and sharing can mean something different to everyone.
Many people do not have family or friends nearby to celebrate the season with them. Some people like Mr. Lore of Hudson, New Hampshire, does have family but chooses to let his kids go with their mother on the 25th as he plans to volunteer at a nursing home, just as he did for Thanksgiving. Volunteering is an opportunity for anyone not to be alone.
Being alone is not necessarily a bad thing either. The still in the night during Christmas week is a perfect time to finish a novel, organize the closets, or make those phone calls that have been put off all year. December is not only the birth of Jesus Christ but it is, no matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs, the close to a year- the conclusion of the last twelve months.
New Year's resolutions are perhaps the most inspiring form of discipline there is and sometimes the most difficult to adhere to. This year's hopes for 2002 are likely to include “peace” on both a personal and universal level, but with an entirely new element in its meaning. We've all read about those people who took advantage of September 11th's chaos for the purpose of committing more crimes. These bottom-dwellers will find there is not much tolerance left among Americans and our other allied nations. We are holding a tight front against all evil. The holiday spirits are strengthening our unity and 2002 should bring good tidings.
No matter what your situation, location, or the status in your belief in the magic of Santa – Happy Holidays to you and your home. If you are alone, look deep to find your “Santa,” there is magic all around. If you are blessed with family, look deep to share your “Santa,” so the magic can be found.
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