It’s celebration time around the world.
Religious and cultural year-end celebrations happen in 165 of 195 countries. The celebrations feature festive food and music, twinkling lights, exchanging gifts, giving to people in need, gatherings with family, friends, and community, resolutions to better our lives, and wishes for peace, love, and blessings.
Holiday celebrations offer many rewards. Merrymaking gives us a break from routine and energizes us for daily life. Anticipation and preparation, as important as the gathering, give us time to reflect on what we cherish and appreciate. The holidays are wrapped with traditions that reflect deeply held beliefs and values and remind us of our history and heritage. Our cultural, religious, and family traditions increase our sense of belonging, nurture us, and fortify our relationships.
Heedless of rewards, the “bah humbug” syndrome drifts amid holiday merriment. On the personal level, holidays are troublesome for some people who have experienced loss – whether of their health, home, job, a relationship, or the death of a significant person. Nationally, partisan politics and social justice disturb equilibrium.
The 2022 U.S. Census Bureau reports 38 million people live in poverty – 11.6% of the population. Globally, 29 of 195 countries are at war. In October, the United Nations reported more than 114 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations. It’s hard to celebrate when faced with bleak facts.
How can we keep the holiday celebration spirit throughout the year? Each day, we can pause, reflect, and celebrate small accomplishments and milestones. We can share our talents and skills, and look for solutions to family, work, and community issues. The holiday spirit depends on our honesty, goodwill, kindness, tolerance, and gratitude as a 24/7 way of life.
To start the new year off by getting involved, all people are welcome to attend the Members Meeting on January 18th. For more information visit lwvjcin.org.
League of Women Voters of Johnson County member Mary Kooi wrote this column. The League’s mission is to empower voters and defend democracy. All League-sponsored work is strictly nonpartisan. For more information visit lwvjcin.org. Send comments to [email protected].
