Ahh, Christmastime... The joyous season where we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the love and hospitality of friends, family, and loved ones, and the things that "really matter." Christmas carol lyrics emphasize the importance of remembering the past and learning from it as we stop to reflect upon the waning year and celebrating the one that is approaching.
As I've taken time to reflect on 2016, I've noticed that the majority of memories and feelings stem around relationships- family relationships, relationships with friends, even a little romance sprinkled in there. I've also noticed that a large portion of Christmas songs focus around relationships- especially romantic ones. Carols proclaim the good news of kissing that special somebody under the mistletoe, being a Christmas bride, and how you simply can't go outside because it's too damn cold, and maybe you should just stay inside with me where it's warm.
What's a single person to do during the holiday season? Shop fronts advertise getting the gift for that special someone in your life. Carols urge you to hold your loved ones close. Family gatherings often have relatives asking about your love life. All in all, the holly jolly spirit can be difficult to maintain with all of these pressures and prying questions.
If you're single and feeling blue about it during this holiday season, remember this- YOU are love. And, YOU are loved. You have the ability within yourself to be the greatest "you" you could possibly be. You don't have to have a significant other in your life to share gifts of love, warmth, and compassion with others. You don't have to have a significant other in your life to be holly or jolly. You don't have to have a significant other in your life to bring joy into the world. Simply put, you don't have to have a significant other in your life to be significant.
During this holiday season, I urge you to be the love you wish to see in your life and in the world. By embracing others in love, you are not only sharing your best qualities, but also uniting others in the love they desire to feel.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!