The Holidays -- It’s a Wonderful Time of Year

I’m not a religious person, but even I enjoy the holiday spirit this time of year.

All the coloured lights, the decorations, even the holiday music which is over played on radio, in malls and just about anywhere you go these days.

No matter how rough and tough, or awesome a year it has been for me, the holidays always make me smile.

And laugh.

Perhaps I've become cynical as time goes by, but I always laugh as the Queen, the Pope and other world leaders always send out their repetitive messages for world peace, love and joy in the coming New Year.

It would be nice if these so-called world leaders were a little more worldly, and actually said something different for a change.

Oh – occasionally they mention the conflict in the Middle East, the need to be more environmentally-friendly, and something or other about prosperity and good will towards all.

They’ll probably say the exact same things again this year – as they have every year.

Every year around this time, television stations run holiday movies. My favourite Christmas Vacation, with Chevy Chase – that’s a true Christmas classic, guaranteed to bring some laughter and fun to even the most Scrooged – another great holiday movie with Bill Murray.

As we get closer to the New Year, we’ll look all be bombarded with commercials trying to get us to join gyms, join weight loss programs and to use smoking cessation patches, pills and ointments. It’s the time of New Year’s resolutions, and the most common are getting into shape, losing weight and quitting smoking.

I never make New Year’s resolutions. I set goals all the time, why should I wait until the end of the year to make new ones?

And deciding to do something while one is slightly inebriated after toasting in the New Year probably isn't the best idea.

Who’s idea was it to make a New Year’s resolution in the first place?

As the New Year rolls ever closer, television stations will remind us of all the famous people we lost this year, as they honour celebrities that have passed on.

It’s an interesting phenomenon, we are looking forward to the New Year, but are reminded of the past.

It’s probably part of being human – no matter where we go in life, our past always influences our present, and directs our future.

That’s not a bad thing. It’s good to reflect on past successes, failures, joys and sorrows, so that we can learn and grow from them.

So as you’re smiling through your holiday shopping, enjoying a rare opportunity to sleep in over the holidays, or just watching your favourite classic holiday movies, look forward to the future, as you reflect on your past.