The term “Merry Christmas” was said to have been first coined in 1699 by a British admiral. Also, during that time We Wish You A Merry Christmas was first sung. Much later the salutation appeared in the first Christmas card, also in England, in 1843. In that year the Dickens’ novel, A Christmas Carol, sees Ebenezer Scrooge using the phrase after his epiphany. So, this is the history of the phrase but what does it mean?
Unfulfilled Expectations
At this time of the year most of us want to feel good. It is an expected part of the season which, in many cases, sets up a pattern for failure. That is, if we don’t feel what we are supposed to feel then something is wrong with us. That is why the Christmas season is rife with great stresses on many people regardless of socio-economic status.
I asked a few people what makes the season for them and came up with 5 key ingredients for lasting contentment and enjoyment.
1. Scale down expenditures
Get into the routine of not spending as much on presents. This is not as hard as you think and the recipients of the gifts will not jump on you for it. Just by cutting back 25% you may not carry a debt load into the next year, which is a major cause of depression. You can even instill the thoughts into your kids that getting the latest electronic gear is not a Christmas wish. If they want an expensive item make it a family endeavor to achieve it over a period of time with the recipient helping to pay for it with allowance money and other jobs. Believe it or not, kids will adjust to your expectations.
2. Volunteer at a Food Bank
A great way to get in touch with the season is to see that others get its benefits as well. I belong to one and work at it all year long but at Christmas time we are always looking for help. By handing out the food bags and presents for the kids your own sense of being will be greatly uplifted.
3. Musical Entertainment
Almost every community offers Christmas musicals either for free or at a very reasonable pirce. Sitting in a live audience allows you gain some great feelings by osmosis!
4. Make Peace With A Family Member
There is nothing more divisive in a family than two members who do not get along. The family has to readjust activities to make sure one does not appear to be getting more attention that the other. Or, it may be that the antagonistic two will not appear in the same place together.
If one of the two is you, regardless of the situation, make a peace offering. Our instincts make us believe that it will make us look weak and that the other family member might rub it in with an “I told you so.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Family politics is not that far removed from some international relations in which we often see hostilities cease by one side offering an olive branch. What this does is give the peace seeker the power. And your family will thank you for making the season better for them, thus making your Christmas better.
5. Go Out and See The Lights
My last tip is to go out and see the light displays. Drive around through the neighborhoods and see the ingenious light shows. This will bring out the kid in you.
Photo from PlanetChristmas