Published in The Tecumseh Herald, Dec. 22, 2024
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or so we’ve been hearing since October. Now Christmas Day is upon us–less than 48 hours away as I write this column. Here at the Collins Compound, we’ve already celebrated with my family of brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews, and my husband’s family of pretty much the same. We’ve quietly remembered our dearly departed loved ones, the people who made Christmas such a happy time of year in ages past and appreciate those who surround us still.
But, it can be a hard time for many of us.
There’s no actual science pointing to the uptick of mortality during the holiday season, yet I think we tend to be hyper-sensitive to the possibilities because of the convergence of several factors, at least here in the Mitten. Of course, colder weather brings seasonal health issues. People who are vulnerable to respiratory problems find the cold weather problematic, for example. The stress of the holidays affects our bodies, too, sapping us of vitamins A, C, and D as well as the B vitamins and magnesium, all of which help us fight colds and flu and boost our immune system. I don’t know about you, but stress also affects my sleep and being over-tired can compromise the immune system. Then, there are mental health issues–holidays often make us feel depressed and sad, whether from the loneliness of loss or isolation and separation from loved ones. Of course we have to factor in the various holiday celebrations that tempt us to drink too much and make poor choices or be in the way of someone else’s poor choice. Finally, sometimes people postpone important medical procedures until “after the holidays,” which can contribute to these statistics.
With this in mind, I’ve been trying to recapture the joy of the season–not just the happiness I had as a child or the gladness I have when seeing friends and family, but the joy–the deepest expression of what the Christmas season is all about.
“Joy” and “happiness,” while used interchangeably in many situations, actually refer to two different things. Joy and happiness are positive emotions, but joy is a deeper, more lasting state of contentment and well-being. It is a profound expression of happiness that comes from a deeper sense of fulfillment or purpose.
Happiness can be fleeting, dependent on external circumstances. Joy endures. Being joy-filled is to accept things as they are rather than depending on people or things to make us happy. It’s about choices we make in our lives. Happiness also is more reactionary as opposed to our own willingness to cultivate a joyful state of mind. Joy can lift us up even if we are struggling. While happiness is the absence of sadness, joy is being able to find meaning and peace even when we’re struggling.
All of these things are saying pretty much the same thing–I am sad because I miss those family members who have died–and they mostly seem to die in December–but I rejoice because they touched my life in so many important ways that I will treasure for the rest of mine. They bring me joy.
As St. Luke chronicles in the Christmas gospel, the birth of the Baby Jesus truly was “good tidings of great joy.”
I hope all of you, no matter your beliefs, have a holiday season that brings you true and everlasting joy.
SQUIBS 