“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.”

Eric Sevareid

Christmas and the entire holiday season is my favorite time of the year. It’s not the presents, the holiday treats, the movies, or the decorations. The best way I can think to describe it is as the “softening of human nature.” Regardless of individual beliefs, religion, or background, the world’s general tone is kinder and more loving.  

It is easy and somewhat cliche to say we want to “treat every day like Christmas.” To quote Charles Dickens “I will try to honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Where we fall is that we expect everyone else to do it as well. When others don’t, we don’t, and we make excuses and allowances for our shortfalls.   

The key is not to expect the world to honor Christmas every day, but instead for each of us to choose our outlook on the world one day at a time. When we choose to represent the softer and more loving side of our own humanity, then the spirit of Christmas can be present every single day.  

To live in this way is the highest calling of all humans. Please don’t wait for others to do it first; choose to make it your manner of living. Then Christmas isn’t a necessity; it is simply a way of life.