Holiday Cheer

Practically Speaking
By C. Wayne Childers

Holiday Cheer

Holidays make me sad. Or I choose sadness at holidays. I am not even sure how to express it. Sad happens when turkeys are prominent. 

This year my wife works. Nurses have to be available for sick folks. She may have to fish for a lodged wad of thanksgiving dinner. She gives relief to choking victims so be careful. That turkey could kill you. She is the scope lady.  "Procto" or proctology medicine. When you hear that word run. You don't want to see her or the staff. 

So I am home alone when the pilgrims and natives meet. Or I am finding in the next few days a unique way to do Thanksgiving. I have invited some international OSU students to hang with us and that may or may not happen. We offered. 

By the time you read this it will have happened. I am usually happy when it is over. I have a few projects on my wish list. I may or may not do those. Black Friday is out for me because the goodwill main store is probably closed. 

I am asking God for some casual encounters that lead to substantive healing conversations. I don't know what that looks like. I'll know when it happens. I wait.

My kids are with other loved ones and that gives me great joy. We share. 

So what's so cheerful about it? Holiday cheer is not always cheerful. It can be downright challenging. So what to do?

1. Start a new tradition by volunteering somewhere to do something that adds value.
2. Involve lonely individuals in your family event. Invite students, elderly without family, That dynamic might just make a new fun.
3. Go to a new place or just do something alone. Boycott for a year.
4. Get away from turkey and have a new menu.
5. Create games especially for children around the event.
6. Count your blessings. That should be number 1. 

Well I'm just thinking out loud. You probably have better ideas. Just think outside the box. Be creative. Stay away from the hospital. 

Sent from my iPad