Do you ever have the sense that each holiday season seems to have a certain universal trend or vibe or energy to it? I suppose the holidays, in one sense, are really an end cap/recap of the year gone by. To me, every year, the holidays seem to kind of summarize the year, in a very general sense.
This year’s holiday feels a tad more subtle to me than the last couple of years, so far. The parties which we have attended have been nice and warm, but nothing too outlandish. People seem to be “calling it a night” a little bit earlier than usual. The Christmas cards that we have received so far, seem a bit simpler, too. They seem to be less newsy and to contain less pictures. The outdoor decorations didn’t go out as early this year, as they had been put out in previous years, on many homes in our neighborhood. I’m not sure if it is just my own projections, but the holidays just feel a little more toned-down, a tad more introspective, in a broader sense, this year. It’s not a “sad/worried” energy that I am sensing, but more of a quiet, inquisitive, slowed down atmosphere. Is that what you all are sensing?
I notice and analyze quirks all of the time. I suppose that is part of being an observer/writer type person. Last year, about 90 percent of the Christmas cards that we received, had pictures of our friends’ pets on them. Pictures of pets on holiday cards are not unusual, but last year it seemed to be the complete norm. Last year, I was surprised when I opened a card that didn’t include a picture of a pet. I said to my husband, that indicates to me, that people were needing to feel warmth, and comfort, and unconditional love more than ever, last Christmas. Last year’s holiday season seemed to have more of outwardly frenzied neediness to it, than this year seems to have, to me. So far, anyway. This year’s holiday, thus far, seems to have more of a universal theme of acceptance, relaxation, and introspection. Tell me what you are sensing. I would be curious about everyone’s unique observations. And if you think that I am completely “off my rocker”, go ahead and tell me that, too. It’s often been suggested that I move to the beat of my own drum. (Don’t we all? Some of us are just better at hiding our drum beat under the cloak of conformity than others, I think.) My current calm presence can take any suggestions, right now, I am sensing, with a semblance of light bemusement. It’s just something in the air, this Christmas. Right?
This year I have received only 2 Christmas cards. And it’s December 14th. Unless most people are just on a slow start, that is staggering to me.
I understand that like my own family, most of my friends have children that are young adulting; many of them away at college. That makes the whole family photo complicated. Perhaps people are opting not to send cards rather than force the obligatory photo. I’ve also realized there have been a lot of losses this year; loved ones passing on definitely puts a damper on the holiday spirit. Perhaps that is simply what happens during this stage of life. The young ones grow up and the old ones move on to their reward. Kind of like when we passed through other stages in our younger years – bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, endless child birthday parties. Now we are attending graduations and funerals. The more I contemplate that, the more I realize the truth in my assumptions. This IS our stage of life, and it will change again. I think I will embrace and observe it without judgment. It’s neither good nor bad; it just is.
You nailed it, Kelly. What I like about getting older, is that a maturity arrives that says, “This is different, but that’s okay. I’m not going to fight against the changes.”
My dear friend I love how observant you are. Since reading your post earlier today and then going out shopping, I too noticed a more tranquil feel. It might be me being more calm. Or the craziness of the masses hasn’t fully hit yet. Not sure. But either way I’m liking this years groove.
I have noticed that the Christmas cards are getting less and less, which is sad in my opinion. I still like hand writing and sending out cards. I’m old fashioned and I don’t send pictures or selfies. LOL!
If you did send pics, Vicki, you’d make everyone jealous because you are so pretty. Glad I’m not the only one feeling this year’s tone.