Expectations of Jolliness

It doesn’t take much to get my mind going on an idea or insight. This one was delivered via a holiday napkin. My first thought was “shouldn’t every season be one to strive for happiness, a cheerful disposition, lightheartedness?”

My second thought was “No pressure there.” I generally enjoy the holiday season and don’t get too caught up in the stuff that can be stressful. I overindulge in sugary treats—hence this napkin. I enjoy sitting in the soft light of the tree and other decorations in our home. But I know it is a time of pressure and a reminder of loss for many people as well.

Expectations are problematic. Holiday expectations we impose on ourselves and that others, our society, and mass marketing also impose on us, can erode any good humor that may be building. Expect less. Accept more. Bless them. Change me.

Get grounded, back to the here and now and the gift of life, the gift of today. Just breathe a time or two. Find some calm and then we can appreciate some good humor in silly jokes:

Why did the bear keep getting fired? He always disappeared in the winter.

What did the icy road say to the car? Wanna go for a spin?

Why was the snowman rummaging through the bag of carrots? He was picking his nose.

What do you call a snowman with abs? An abdominal snowman.

Oxygen and laughter are a winning combination. The best gift we can give another is our undivided attention. The best gift we can give ourselves is a pause, a breather.

This late bloomer striving to live gratefully is not always jolly. No one is. Nor should we be expected to be. That takes the genuineness right out of life. I do know a more consistent state of gratefulness, and that brings peace and joy to at least some of the hours, days, and months of every season. Lighthearted. There’s a goal for today. Onward!