"OH WHY CAN'T EVERY DAY BE LIKE CHRISTMAS..."

“If Everyday was Just Like Christmas”, written by Red West as performed by Elvis Aaron Presley, it’s one of my favorite Christmas songs.  My mother is a huge Elvis fan and his Christmas record was in heavy rotation during the month of December in the home of my childhood.  As a boy I certainly sympathized with the question…why couldn’t everyday be filled with presents, chocolates, turkey and joy?

Because life happens and what makes Christmas so special (among other things) is that it is but one day a year.  Everything about it is so not-ordinary.  Aside from the bombardment of commercialism and the historical religious significance, we realign our routines to accommodate festivities at work as well as with family and friends.  We become more social, more connected to others.

Neighbors in the building we live in have invited Jan and I to attend an open-house party.  We know each other only in passing…the briefest of exchanges on the elevator or in the parkade.  They seem like a nice couple.  We happen to live right below them.  They made a point of informing us when they were undertaking some major renovations.  I will be attending the open-house party.  I will get to know them and others from our building a little better.  We will share some wine and perhaps a few laughs (maybe with Elvis playing in the background!).

It is the heightened connectedness that I now like best about Christmas.  Sure, I’ll love opening my new watch or piece of hi fidelity stereo gear (are you reading this Jan?), however it will be the experiences shared with others that will truly enrich me.  Everyday can’t be Christmas, but I intend to reach out and make the most of my connectedness over the next few weeks.  I intend to be thankful…for everything and everyone I know. 

“…for if everyday could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world it would be.”

by David Livingstone