If bliss is defined as ‘a state of complete happiness and serenity’, then the holiday season is a time of true bliss for me.
Picture a cozy fire with stockings and bells hanging from the mantel, the earthy smell of the Christmas tree in the air, a hot cocoa with floating marshmallows and cinnamon, and any Christmas record scratching away in the background.
It’s no secret that the holiday season has its ups and downs, especially during this tough year that’s been dominated by a global pandemic.
That being said, I think it’s important to make do with what we have; celebrate the blessing of having, and give back to whomever we can.
My family usually has a house full of friends and neighbours; it’s a time of celebration. Not only acknowledging the birth of Jesus — we also get to celebrate my birthday! Every time someone finds out that I’m a Christmas baby, I always get the question, “Ohhh, do you even like that?”
And without skipping a beat I always wholeheartedly respond, with a glowing smile and a confident, “Yes, I love it!”
How couldn’t I? A whole day filled with family and friends, a stuffed turkey, AND birthday cake? Wow! Couldn’t get any better!
Growing up and attending weekly services at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, I was able to build my own morals, and the Christmas Eve service was always a warming reminder of the things that meant most to me:
- Love your neighbours as yourself
- Spread positivity and optimism
- Give to those who cannot repay you
This was always reinforced through the classic Christmas pageant put on by the parish kids, along with the sermons that were preached, the ringing choir, and the quiet serenity of the empty church after everyone had gone home to dream of silver bells and twinkling lights.
Starting school at Sheridan college, I’ve had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people, and my roommate, Lily Librach, has been a true joy in my life. She has been able to educate me on her holiday traditions as well — Hanukkah and the gift of giving.
Bonding over our blissful moments feels like a warm hug. This year, unfortunately, we aren’t able to hug people outside of our ‘bubbles’.
It is therefore even more important to make our physical touches as special as possible, and to connect or reminisce with virtual or socially-distant meet-ups.
To quote a very impactful and silly movie, (Elf, 2003):
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
…and this couldn’t be more accurate!
I urge you to spread your cheer through songs of love, and gift-giving, and to make those most important to you feel the same bliss you do.
All in all, my bliss will be glowing as bright as the North Star this year with the reminder that even though this will be a very unusual holiday season, I will be able to create new memories whilst still keeping my friends and family close to my heart. So ‘God bless us everyone!’, and have a very merry Christmas!
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