According to the Miriam-Webster dictionary, “holiday” derives from the idea of a “holy day.” Further, it is a day upon which one is to “cease from any labor and do whatever one pleases.” Huh? Clearly, in our culture when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have missed the thrust of this idea somewhere along the way. In my family, holiday preparations rival space exploration in the number of details to be considered and the amount of time and money spent just to be able to honor “the day.” The simplicity of a holiday intended to give us time to reflect and rest is no longer the norm.
Let’s face it. Americans are not the world’s leaders in “simple.” We like taking simple ideas and exploding them to levels of grandeur. Bigger is always better. And, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For the most part, we’ve contributed to the world’s welfare because of our drive to achieve more. We feed more, give more and build more because this idea is rudimentary to our way of life. Speaking of space exploration, the world’s communication systems, scientific knowledge of our climate, the management of world agriculture have all benefited from our determination to land on the moon.
Notwithstanding, this cultural impulse can come back to haunt us. While we prepare for our holiday celebrations with frenetic fervor, we can find ourselves gasping for relief from an even more hectic schedule of planning, shopping and gatherings. At the end of it all, we may risk losing sight of the need for quiet reflection and those treasured moments to rest in the awareness of God’s blessings. If only for one day, we might better spend it recalling the goodness we find in our family and our friends and enjoy the goodness we find all around us.
Tallahassee’s natural beauty and resources, its innovative business community and its vibrant culture of sharing and charity give each of us plenty to reflect upon with gratitude and thanksgiving. During this season of holidays, we can step away from our hectic schedules just enough to celebrate by giving our time and talents to others as an expression of this gratitude. The “Help Christmas Connection” annual campaign is one such example. Across our community and across many faiths, local businesses, churches and people will come together for a very good reason, namely to give toys, food and clothing to impoverished families. America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend will be feeding thousands of our neighbors across the region with the food and from the donations we will give and the time we will commit in helping them do it. And again, thousands of volunteer hours will be given to the annual James 2:15 Project that aids homeless families.
Remarkably, these efforts and the many others that are like them are closer in spirit to the idea of an observed holy day in which the focus is on giving thanks and giving to others. By making personal sacrifices of our time and talents and bringing humble offerings of food, and clothing and shelter, we can participate in the holiest part of any day. Remarkable as well is the result. Our hope in our future together is revived. The joy that follows is immeasurable, and that is what a holiday is intended to bring most of all. So, here’s hoping that while we are all busy stuffing and wrapping, shopping and traveling, perhaps we will choose to embrace the simplest of expressions and give ourselves to the best of what a holiday can offer.
Brien R. Sörne is the host of “Tallahassee Talks with Brien Sörne” which airs Saturdays 9 a.m. on 93.3FM and Saturdays 9:30 p.m. on Moose Magnificat online radio.
