We pass from season to season, more than a reference to weather. The election season has passed, right? Prior to the next election season our communities will squeeze in celebrations of the holidays, Thanksgiving Day, Winter, shopping season, and year-end celebrations, once pagan holidays and now with religious twists. At the height of Winter Solstice, December 21, we are reminded to be jolly.
The music, mood, bright lights, and delightful senses allow us to know that our community glass is half full and not half empty.
Every community has its link to holiday shopping and holiday celebrations. Choose a name and it fits. Psychologists tell us that as a society we are happiest when we participate in the festivities of the season, from Halloween through New Year’s celebrations. Lights. Music. Decorations. Themes. We squeeze in celebrations other times of the year best we can do it. We revel in Ebeneezer Scrooge’s conversion to joy. It happens every year. It does make us feel good, for goodness sake.
The major objective is to maintain a higher level of joy and not be crestfallen when the celebrations end. When the music dies.
For example, Winter Lights will begin Friday, Nov. 16 in Aurora with the markets open downtown and when the Christmas tree lights are turned on in front of the GAR on Downer Place. Smiles slip into the faces of more than just children.
Pick a name to match a community. It lands in every community just by a different name: Winter Wonderland, Magic of Batavia at the Riverwalk, Santa Lucia’s arrival, Jingle Bell Jubilee, Festival of Lights, Holiday of Lights, Christmas Walk, Holiday Homecoming, Holiday in the Grove, Frosty Fest, Season Holiday Festival, Holiday Celebration Weekend, and Joyful Traditions Free Family Fun Festival. Fill in the blank. Make up a phrase which captures the spirit. Shops in communities want to see customers happy and community members joyful. We can make the best of it. Why not!
• This time of the year we must acknowledge the organizations which seek to help those who need assistance, whether food, shelter, or clothing. We can take a few minutes to find a suitable way to remember those who need to be remembered. It is in the spirit of giving. It can be as simple as a smile or opening a door.