Bah-La La La La La La La La

This year, I had the opportunity to see the theatre production of Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol”…again. I can’t remember how many (or which) version of this story I’ve seen and/or heard, but I do know this: no matter book, movie, or play – I’ve never enjoyed it. I hoped this year would be different, but, alas, it was not. I shared my dislike with a friend (who happens to be a theatre teacher) and he was dumbstruck over my reaction; couldn’t believe that I could feel so unenthused by a story that some can hardly fathom the holiday season without. In hopes that I could be swayed, he suggested that I watch “Scrooged” with Bill Murray, a modernized version of the original. Begrudgingly, I watched it. I had all the same feelings I’ve always had about the story, albeit to a lesser degree. I wasn’t quite as bored and I did sort-of-laugh once or twice and just when I was beginning to feel that same sense of relief that comes when you know the end is in sight of something you want to be done with, I got a surprise. For the first time in the history of listening to this story, I found something I could relate to. It happened when Bill Murray’s character snaps out of the dark cloud of being Scrooge and into the light of being a compassionate human being. He says, “It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year we are the people we always hoped we would be.” Nice. Smiley. Cheerful. So simple and, yet, somehow the lights on our holiday spirit seem to dim over the course of the year. Sure, we can chalk some of the holiday glow up to the magic of the season, but, jingle bells or not, kindness and generosity are ours for the giving no matter the time of year. Fast-forward three months from now and imagine saying to a cashier “Have a good day!” with the same gusto you say “Happy Holidays!” or sending a note via regular mail with the same heartfelt vibes you do your family’s holiday card. Imagine applying the same intention, thoughtfulness, time, effort, and energy you give to holiday merrymaking to the other 11 months of the year. How do you think that would impact your relationships with family, friends, work, and life, in general? If, in your thinking, you feel the warm glow of something hopeful – you’re probably onto something. Go for it! Your best self doesn’t have to wait to show up but once a year.