He Said ~
It’s that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev’ry song you hear seems to say “Merry Christmas,
“May your New Year dreams come true”
But, what if it isn’t?
Although the (forced) optimists among us will be beyond bothered by my melancholy, I am ok with that.
No one wishes to be sad, especially during the holidays; however, the fact is this sorrow is indisputable.
Stress & Pressure: Around 89% of U.S. adults report holiday stress, with many feeling more pressure than usual, financial strain, and unrealistic expectations.
Loneliness & Grief: More than 60% experience loneliness, and many grieve lost loved ones, making the holidays harder.
Worsened Mental Health: 64% of those with existing mental illnesses find their conditions worsen; overall, 75% feel sad or dissatisfied.
Neglected Self-Care: 79% overlook their health needs, (sleep, diet, exercise, etc.), while focusing on others, leading to fatigue and burnout.
We all need to DO BETTER! And not merely during this festive season.
Elected government officials – DO BETTER!
People of the cloth, devotees of interfaith congregations, and cults – DO BETTER!
Law enforcement agencies – DO BETTER!
Architects, financiers, and babysitters of social media platforms – DO BETTER!
Negligent paramours – DO BETTER!
Emotionally paralysed, mentally absent, and physically neglectful parents and guardians of our future generations – DO BETTER!
Blog writers and podcast participants disseminating facts, faith, and foolery – DO BETTER!
Holistic and wellness capitalists, the self-described saviors of failed western medicine and its pharmaceutical pimps and prostitutes – DO BETTER!
I am not the Grinch, but I am grumpy. “Bah humbug,” to those who are compelled to disallow any realistic, (not negative), reflections during December.
And to those who can debate and respectfully disagree, while displaying kindness, merry celebrations to you, and to you a good night.
She Said ~
The Founding Pear is not entirely wrong; the holidays are a sad and difficult time for many. This is undeniable.
However, do we not exist in a world in which two polar opposite truths can co-exist? I do, and maybe you do too.
The holidays are more than our personal fights and wounds. This time of year is more than the convergence of everything that has gone wrong throughout the year; adorned with a slapstick smile to cover it all up.
The holidays are more than the obligatory trek to midnight mass or the descent of estranged family upon your abode.
The holidays are more than the hysterics of last minute shoppers and show stopping decor.
The holidays are about anything other than ourselves. During this time, the fuel and joy and vigor that sustains us is about looking outside of ourselves.
Because …
We need a little music
Need a little laughter
Need a little singing
Ringing through the rafter
And we need a little snappy
‘Happy ever after’
Need a little Christmas now
Amazing Christmas folklore:
The Yule Lads (Jólasveinar) are 13 mischievous, troll-like figures in Icelandic folklore who visit children during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving treats or rotten potatoes in shoes left on windowsills, while also playing pranks, with their fearsome parents, Grýla and Leppalúði. They are descended from ancient Norse traditions but evolved into their current distinct characters, known for unique names and wicked deeds like door-slamming or sausage-swiping, embodying fun and a bit of holiday caution.
In modern culture, when the season arrives, the 13 Yule Lads descend from the mountains to attend parties around the country. This is a more family-friendly version of the old Icelandic tale from where they originate.
Though they did not inherit cannibalism from their mother, the Icelandic Christmas Trolls were still widely feared by children for their creepy behavior. Even adults in Iceland, before industrialization, largely believed in trolls, so many would have been cautious that there was truth to the tales.
The 13 Yule Lads (and their habits):
- Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod): Harasses sheep.
- Giljagaur (Gully Gawk): Hides in gullies for milk.
- Stúfur (Stubby): Steals leftover crusts from pots.
- Þvörusleikir (Spoon-Licker): Licks spoons.
- Pottaskefill (Pot-Scraper): Licks pots.
- Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker): Steals bowls to lick clean.
- Hurðaskellir (Door-Slammer): Slams doors.
- Skyrgámur (Skyr-Gobbler): Eats skyr (yogurt).
- Bjúgnakrækir (Sausage-Swiper): Steals sausages.
- Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper): Peeks in windows.
- Gáttaþefur (Door-Sniffer): Sniffs for baked goods.
- Ketkrókur (Meat-Hook): Steals meat.
- Kertasníkir (Candle-Beggar): Steals candles.
Did You Know? The first recorded Christmas celebration on December 25th was in 336 AD in Rome, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, though early Christians remembered Jesus’ birth even earlier, with some historians suggesting observances from the 2nd century. This date was formalized by the Church in Rome to align with existing Roman winter solstice festivals, like the birthday of the ‘Unconquered Sun’ (Sol Invictus).