The season of the holidays — whichever holiday that might be — is the season when we have that friendly reminder that we should show that we care for our family and friends. Hopefully, you show this throughout the year, but here are some great tips for the holiday season for everyone:
Tip 1: Know your holidays…
Be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or any yearly holiday practiced by your family and friends, know enough about them to be respectful to each person. My mother-in-law is Muslim, whereas I celebrate the Pagan holiday of Yule, so I would flaunt food at her during Ramadan (A strict fasting). Know about your friends and family to respect their beliefs and their holidays, without that respect, it will breed tension between you.
Tip 2: Don’t be so temperamental…
Be patient and don’t take it personal when someone especially a stranger doesn’t happen to know what certain holiday you practice. So if they say “Merry Christmas,” but you are Muslim or Jewish, simply respond with your corresponding holiday. How could the random stranger have known that you followed one or the other? Very few people wish me a Happy Yule. Because few know that I am Pagan. I simply either wish them a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays. They do not mean disrespect, just good wishes.
Tip 3: Don’t flip about price…
Ever hear the expression that “It’s the thought that counts.” I am sure you have. And it is true. As a father, I have seen kids totally avoid the crazy expensive gift to sit in the box... If you have little to no money make your gifts, or find them at a second-hand store. Making them is better, of course, I have made my children cry in delight over something I have poured hours into making far faster (and more consistently) than for something I have bought. Every child doesn’t need the newest and greatest toy — they need you.
Tip 4: Holidays are for family…
Be there. Simple as that. This is our yearly reminder to be nice to our family, now remember, when I say family, I also mean those friends you have adopted over the years as well. I have a huge family and very few of them are actually related to me. Try your best to show these people that you love them and care for them all year round. But, if you need this yearly reminder, it’s there for you.
Tip 5: Set aside grudges…
Divorced, separated, falling out, etc... This is your chance to set all that aside and be together as a unit, as siblings, and as a family. Put away all those miss feelings for at least one day and remind yourself why you loved these people in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, we all have that one drunk uncle no one likes, but do your best to be together for this day. Even if your mother-in-law drives you crazy and your father can’t get out of his chair. Show them that you care and are adult enough to set all bad things aside to remind them that love is there, no matter how bad your mother’s ham is dry and grandma won't stop telling the same story over and over again.
The holiday season is just a season. The real trick is to do these things all year round. Admittedly with work and what not it is difficult. Be thankful for the family and friends you have and show them that as often as possible. But take every chance to make someone’s day better no matter the season.
