Your very own Christmas Carol

Posted by Ana in Personal on Dec 21st, 2009 | no responses

Yes, it’s that time of year again and I find myself thinking about the real meaning of Christmas. Is it all about the decorations, the parties, the gifts, the cards, mulled wine, Santa, baby Jesus, turkey, mince pies, carols, family and friends? Christmas has many meanings for people. It can be a nostalgic time when people think about loved ones who are not present. Others rejoice in the opportunity to get the family together whilst for others this is a real nightmare. I do not know what Christmas means to you. In the words of Bill McKibben “There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.”

I am not going to discuss the tradition of Christmas in the West or its religious meaning. Instead, I will take the liberty of loosely drawing upon Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol“. Ebenezer Scrooge and the 3 ghosts will be the gateway to reflection. I would not do this classic any justice if I even attempted to review it. I’m simply going to strip it down to its core and make this post about the past, the present and the future. Not Scrooge’s though, yours.

Past We tell children that Father Christmas will only bring them presents if they are good. Have you been good? I know this has a number of interpretations and maybe for you being naughty is good and that is absolutely fine. The point is, have you been true to yourself’ Have you been the best you can be? Have you done your job with pride? Have you treated others kindly? Have you looked after yourself? Are you proud of what you’ve accomplished and who you’ve become?

Present By the time you finish reading this sentence the present will be the past so this is a difficult concept to explore. Please be patient and think of the present as your current circumstances. Now is ethereal. It is shaped by your past and a prelude to your future.

Future It’s all yours for the taking. Allow yourself to think like a child for a moment. No boundaries. Let your imagination guide you. No logical counter arguments to whatever you come up with. No if’s or but’s. When you feel you’re ready picture yourself living the life you want to lead and being the person you want to be. Enjoy it. Savour the moment. Remember what it looks like, sounds like and smells like. Hold on to that image, sensation, feeling…They say all wishes and dreams come true at Christmas time…

It has recently occurred to me that the letters in future stand for Firmly Use To Undergo Reinvention & Enjoyment. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. The truth is it’s yours to build upon. Be all you Aim to Be!

P.S. – I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas full of laughter, happiness and good health!

Resources:
Photos provided by Flickr users disneyspeak.com, The Bees, Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton, ~ K ! M’s ~

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