If you come to know me better, you’ll discover that I’m not that fond of Christmas and prefer to stay quiet and away from the madness and chaos. (read on – there’s good bits to follow!).
I’m not a fan of rampant consumerism at the best of times, let alone during the “silly season”. My mind doesn’t cope well with the fact that gorgeous trees are cut down and later, sometime in the new year, often left to die and tossed out with the garbage.
I find it unbearable to think of the animals that are abused and of those that are neglected and abandoned to fend for themselves over the holiday season with (if they are lucky) a neighbour coming around to feed them once a day while they pine for their families.
The amount of food that is consumed and thrown out (not even composted) while some people go hungry doesn’t amuse me either and how many of those gifts, wrapping papers etc from highly unsustainable sources will end up in landfill!
But now I’ve shared with you my primary reasons for not liking the Christmas Season, let me tell you what I think are some of the good bits.
People seem to communicate more with each other at this time of year. People reach out more to those in need, with volunteer work and donations and/or sponsorships to worthy causes. In amongst the stress joy is often shared with strangers and families, where possible, get together and hopefully enjoy each other’s company as they put their gripes and differences aside.
But the main thing I like about the time of year is that it invites reflection on the year that’s been and planning for the year ahead and that always brings me rapidly to gratitude. Plus, I adore (most of) our summer in Aus – yet another thing to be grateful for!
So as another year passes, I’d like to express my gratitude for your presence in my life.
Thank you for your correspondence with me during the year. Thank you for all the various messages of inspiration, warmth and sharing of ideas and if I haven’t heard from you for awhile (or vice versa) please feel free to make contact again – as you never know how we may enhance each other’s lives in the coming year.
With loving wishes to you and your families for a peaceful, joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year to follow as Every Day Gets Better.
Wendy xx
Thanks, Wendy! Best wishes to you and your family, too! I also like how there is more focus on the homeless at this time of year. Things seem to be slowly going back to values other than money and possessions, so I think there’s hope!
Yes I agree Sara, there’s definitely hope. Not much focus on the homeless here but I do think people are becoming more aware for sure. You’ll be able to have a lovely quiet time in your beautiful cabin. ?
Yes, the cabin is becoming a sanctuary! Tiny houses are becoming more popular here, too. I think there’s definitely hope for going back to values of living simply without a lot of possessions. I’ve seen videos of tiny houses in New Zealand. I’m sure Australia has them, too!
Not too many yet but smaller, simpler living is definitely becoming more popular. And isn’t that a great thing! ?