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 Finding your good cheer could start by planting
some 'ear worms.' Ear worms are those songs we hear from time to
time that stick in our head and don’t seem to want to go away. An
ear worm can last a day or it could keep your brain occupied for a
week or more. Purposefully plant those songs that reflect the season
with happiness.
As a Christian, the birth of Christ will be that first step to
finding joy. And what better musical words and sound than to think
on “Joy to the world.” A nice second option though – “Angels we have
heard on high.”
Then, moving on to the commercial side of Christmas, the man in the
red suit is a big part of the holiday season. So let’s go with
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
And finally, remember why you are trying to do this - to bring good
cheer. So let's add “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” or “We wish you a
Merry Christmas.”
Okay, ear worms are now planted and with the simple selection of
these songs you’ve told the story of the holiday season and why it
makes us happy.
So now, how do you reflect that cheer on to others?
Give a compliment
What makes a person smile more quickly than telling them you love
something they are wearing - their shoes, that tie; admire their
hair style, or a piece of jewelry...
Give a compliment to a total stranger at the grocery store or
anywhere in passing. Then….leave them with a bright and cheery
“Merry Christmas!”
Send a card
No matter how modern we are, how tech we are, there is something
special about receiving a hand-addressed snail-mail card, or even
better a hand delivered one! It takes only a minute to write a
personal note – “Hope you have a Merry Christmas," or "Thinking
about you!”
Give a little gift
You would be surprised how easily you can brighten the day of
someone just surprising them with a small gift. A person wishing to
remain anonymous talked about a family tradition she and her kids
participate in each Christmas. They buy a fist full of scratch off
lottery tickets when they go to the gas station, they give one to
the attendant, and last time out, they left one on the table when
they ate out and tucked one in the pocket of the store clerk who
assisted them at the jewelry counter. So simple.
And, a $10 bill, gas card or gift certificate to a local restaurant
or business can brighten the day of 10 different people.
Do a good deed
One of the best gifts we can give is the gift of service to others.
It doesn’t have to be a big gesture at all, just something small
that tells people you are paying attention. Help someone get a full
shopping cart across an ice and snowy parking lot. Help a neighbor
clean off their driveway. Make a stranger smile by not rushing to
return that cart at Aldi’s, give it away and wave away the quarter
in their hand.
Walk your talk
Remember that ear worm? Well, let it out! Don’t be afraid to the hum
your song and make it clear that you have that holiday cheer, the
spirit of Christmas.
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Smile
There are two fun smile sayings - “Smile… it will make people wonder
what you’re up to.” And, “Smiles are contagious.” The first one is
fun to think about when you smile at a stranger. What are they
thinking when they see you? And maybe that will make your smile even
broader.
Smiles indeed are contagious! When you smile at someone, they smile
back. If you keep smiling, so will they! Spreading good cheer is as
simple as smiling.
Say what you feel
When you say “Merry Christmas” to someone you don’t know it may
surprise them, but it will also make them feel good. It is a way of
telling another that you feel good, and you want to share that warm
and fuzzy feeling with them, so belt it out every chance you get!
Keep the spirit of Christmas with you always
You don’t have to wait until November and December to be happy and
show good will toward others. Living as an example to others can be
gratifying for you personally, but it can mean even more to someone
who perhaps is not having the best of days.
Throughout this coming year, here is your challenge:
- Find that song that makes you happy, lifts your spirits, and keep
it close at hand for your gloomy days. Bring it out when you need,
then reflect that onto others.
- Smile every day, be kind every day, think of others every day.
- Give a compliment to a stranger, buy a gift for a friend or send a
card to a loved one.
These things only take a moment, yet they implant a lasting memory
for the receiver and could be the difference between a bad day and a
very good one.
In other words, carry that Christmas “good cheer” with you
throughout the year. You may be surprised the impact this has not
only on those who are near to you, but how also works on you!
God bless and Merry Christmas!
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