Ah yes! In case you have yet to notice, the holiday season has arrived, As we move into the full swing of this season, keep in mind, it is intended to be filled with family, friends and fellowship. During this time, I try to remind myself that isn’t this as the saying goes, “ ‘Tis the season to be jolly?”. Unfortunately, in recent days, if you have spent any time watching the news, reading the newspaper or engaging in social media of any kind, it does not always seem to work out that way when it comes to many families, shoppers and holidays.
Too many incidents have been gloried in recent days of really poor adult behavior when it comes to sharing the holiday spirit. What examples and lessons have been taught to our children when we are watching footage of adults fighting over a tablet, toy or the best sale? What character traits are we displaying as we are pushing and shoving our way through lines? I am only hopeful that the people who have acted so irrational are able to look back and accept responsibility for their actions, and regret those actions that have unfortunately put a damper on times that should be bringing families and communities closer together.
While I watched with disgust as adults became involved in physical altercations all across America while shopping, during of all times on Thanksgiving Day, it saddened me to think that in too many cases we have apparently become a society that no longer is just thankful for the time we have together. It appears that many are conditioned to speed away from our family to race for retail stores in search of the must have gift, at the can’t miss price. A phrase I often use to describe the expression “on sale” is, “junk you don’t need at a price that you cannot refuse”. Think about it, how many times have you purchased something simply because it was on sale whether you needed or really wanted it? Just imagine, people so focused on getting that sale, that they have in many cases cost themselves far more dearly with their loss of control, respect for the fellow man and lack of character. Furthermore, in some cases shoppers who have started their holiday season trying to save a dollar, end up with criminal charges and fines that are far more costly to their families. This undoubtedly wasn’t what these shoppers had in mind. However, when our vision about what the season is really about becomes blurred, our focus does not always allow us to paint a great family portrait.
This recent display made me think back to the Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Jingle All the Way. Playing the role of Howard Langston, a salesman for a mattress company who is constantly busy at his job, and he also constantly disappoints his son, misses yet another one of his son's karate exposition; Afterwards, he tries hard to come up with a way to make it up to him, and believes by getting his son whatever he wants for Christmas will make up for all his lost time. Unfortunately for Howard, his son wants an immensely popular "Turbo Man" action figure. Howard, worried about other things, forgets to get it, and since it's Christmas Eve, it's sold out everywhere. Since Howard knows he has let his son down in the past, he goes on a quest to track down a "Turbo Man" action figure, and will stop at nothing to get his son the gift that he wants. As the movie comes to an end, due to the some of the positive actions of his dad, his son realizes he does not even want or for that matter need the doll, since his father is "the real Turbo-Man". Both father and son realize that the perfect gift is being with each other.
Although this film is filled with some humorous mishaps, and ends with a realization that ‘Tis the Season is not about gifts that are purchased, but about each of us recognizing that we are the true gifts to one another. As many of us hit the shopping trails in the next weeks, cherish the moments. I am hopeful that every dad embraces the opportunity to be their child's “Turbo Man” or whatever your children want you to be. As we are all looking forward to a fantastic holiday season, let us make sure we count our blessings and make our blessings count by sharing how fortunate we are to be with our families and friends. I wish you the most remarkable holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Monthly Challenge
Holidays can certainly be a stressful time. Make some time to put these 5 tips on How to Avoid the Worst Holiday ever provided by ALL PRO DAD into practice.
1. Agree to do something with your family. At least one thing must be a family affair. Whatever it is make sure you all agree, and you all agree when you will do it.
2. Do what you agreed to do. If you say you are going to help decorate, and your wife begins the process please get off the couch and help.
3. Set aside some true down time. Make sure everyone gets a chance to just relax at some point. Discuss it and plan it.
4. Have some holiday cheer. Don’t be a scrooge or a grinch. Have some fun, and intentionally make a big deal out of things especially if you have children.
5. Don’t make it only about you, or your wife and kids. Find something you and your family can do that benefits someone less fortunate.
Monthly Quote
“This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!” - D.M. Dellinger
