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I'm in the Mood

In the past, I've really struggled with the Christmas Spirit. 

See, I normally get the excitement of Christmas starting around November when I realize it's fairly close.  But then, by the time Christmas actually gets around, I'm exhausted, and ready to move on to other "obligations".

Somewhere, somehow, I lost that youthful exuberance that had me giddy starting in September, and lasting through until the eggnog had expired (FYI, you get kind of a buzz off of expired eggnog).

The only reason I bring it up, is because this year, more than any other year I can remember, I've had a long-lasting feeling of Christmas.  I've been "in the mood" for over a month now, and it seems to be growing.

Here's how it started:

William P. Young, author of "The Shack" was in doing an interview with Shauna Rae.  I came in to start my shift and went to tell him what a powerful speaker he is, and how wonderful I found the interview.

I reached out my hand, and he stood up.  Stared me straight in the eye, and started toward me.  He walked at me, not threateningly, but with an obvious purpose.  Right past my outstretched hand, and before I knew what was happening...I was in the middle of a bear hug.

Turns out, that's his policy.  He doesn't shake hands, he hugs.  It's a philosophy I wish I had the courage to adopt.  Without a word, a man I had just met was able to convey a feeling of friendship, a feeling of comfort, and feeling of mutual respect.  Something that is MILES away from any handshake I've ever received.

Although I didn't feel like crying, I felt a lot like Edward Norton's character in Fight Club.  He fakes disorders to get in to support groups where they hug for emotional release.

I got the exact same feeling I used to get at Christmas.  It wasn't an excitement I was missing, it was the spiritual side of Christmas that the TV shows usually show.  The "caring for your fellow man" obligatory episode that is SO beyond cheesy, but motivates you to call your mom, or hold a door for a stranger.

I remembered a lesson I was once given in University.  A professor said to the class, "Most people think it will work like this: I sit up here and talk.  You all sit here and write it down.  Somewhere, the magical experience of ‘learning' takes place.  It doesn't work like that.  You need to figure out what to do to get results". 

I decided this year I would put an emotional spin on my professor's diagram.  I was going to do something to retain that feeling of caring, and compassion. I will go to Christmas this year...instead of waiting for Christmas to come to me.

I'm not necessarily doing it in gestures, although I have to say I have been extremely moved by experiences at the Salvation Army Kettle, and helping friends without wondering what I'm getting from it.

It's a mental thing: I'm thinking positively.  I'm seeking out the good in people, even when the selfish is more obvious.  I'm realizing that not knowing what I want for Christmas isn't a stress, it's a good thing; I HAVE a lot.  And I'm trying to accept the fact that a busy Christmas schedule is not a bad thing, it shows I have people in my life that want me around (or are at least INCREDIBLY good at faking it).

I'm not perfect at it yet, but I have noticed "The Christmas Feeling" is still with me after more than a month, and getting stronger every time I feel like I've helped.

So look out Christmas, I'm coming for ya, and I've got a GREAT BIG WILLIAM P. YOUNG HUG with your name on it.