Winter Snows

I love winter.  It is my favorite holiday barring, naturally, Fall.  So, to be technical, its a close second to Fall, which is only partially true because it might be first depending on the day you ask me.  However, my indecision regarding the seasons and which one takes precedence in my predilections should not deter you from understanding the deep love which I have developed for this time of year.  A lot of people love the Holidays.  I, to be quite honest, do not.  But I do love this time of year.

I love the quiet reflection and meditation as I walk nearly deserted streets with the snow crunching beneath my feet.  The only illumination is the yellowish light proceeding from street lamps mixing with and reflecting off the fallen and falling snow.  I love feeling the snow fall on me; hearing the muffled night noises filter through the frozen tears of nature falling from above.  I personally have gotten too busy.  I have school and life tearing at me constantly.  I don't take the time to think and reflect as I once did.  Whats happening to me?  Why did I forsake one of the joys of my life that I once thought I could never do without?  Luckily the holiday afforded me an opportunity to realize what I had lost.  I spent some time by myself in the dark listening to music as I often could be found at an earlier epoch of my life.

And that is my complaint of the holiday season.  Why is it so busy?  Why do we rush around complying with empty social expectations?  In the least I personally need to slow down.  Nor do I wish to attack Holiday traditions.  Indeed, I feel strongly that they are the very essence of fulfilling holiday activities, especially those centered around the family.

I will however say this without shame or remorse.  I dislike almost everything that people consider Christmas music.  However, I absolutely adore good Christmas music.  Notice the qualifier: Good.  I have several Christmas albums which I listen to often at Christmas time.  Most of the stuff that is played on the radio is junk.  I know that there are many people who would disagree, and some of those violently.  I just say this in response: I spend the entire year listening to music that I enjoy because it has musical qualities that I actually admire and appreciate and I see no reason why Christmas should be an exception.  If you want me to admire your Christmas Music make sure it is of admirable musical quality.

Leaving that soapbox behind I want to finish with this final thought.  I've been enjoying holidays less and less of late.  I find that special days pass by with little to differentiate them from any other day.  I've lost the spirit of rejoicing and festivities.  Oh to be a child again when the world was fresh, young, and beautiful.  I think that I'm only getting what I'm putting into these holidays.  I need to slow down and truly enjoy these winter snows and the happiness that derives from taking the time to reflect and meditate.  Ultimately, these sessions lead me to ponder my relationship with God.  Is it of any wonder that I've felt stressed and frustrated of late?  How can I expect to find happiness in a place where I've forgotten who brought me here?  Find the fresh view of the world that you had as a child.  You'll find it in seeing the good around you; the potential in others.  You'll find it in quiet meditation on the things that matter most.  You'll find it in seeing things through the eyes of God.