December is a month that is full of contrasts. Even when I was young, these same contrasts were evident, starting with extreme highs and extreme lows. A lot of us, both then and now, seem to have trouble dealing with and expressing our happiness overtly and celebrating, in general, the season because of these contrasts.
First there is the original reason for the season, the birth of Jesus, contrasted with the comparatively recent advent of Santa Claus and the resulting rise of advertising and rampant commercialism. These are almost polar opposites that are forced together in the space of one overcrowded month. This can be a very confusing time, especially if you are already a little unbalanced. If you are shopping, then you are acquiring presents to give to others, implying that, in contrast, you will be receiving presents. We are supposed to learn this when we are young. Sometimes we do. When we have completed our list of presents, we must wrap them, implying decisions like ribbons or bows. In contrast, when we receive, the only task is to remove the wrappings that were so painstakingly applied.
Next there are decorations to contend with, both inside and out. The outside decorations are large, meant to be seen from a distance, contrasted with the inside decorations that are for small tables and other flat surfaces. The tree is a study in contrasts with either colored lights or all white lights, and ornaments of all different shapes and sizes and themes. There also used to be fads such as angel hair, tinsel (too much or too little), and flocking. Lights can also either be sparse or very dense, blinking or non blinking and of course, too many could cause a fuse to blow causing all of the lights to go out. And the absolute height of possible light problems is the light strand that is in series. If one light goes out, they ALL go out. This problem can be faced even today. Avoid it!
The month also is a study in contrasts of weather. Going east, west, north or south, if you travel you will probably feel the effects of the local weather. It may be nice in LA, but if you are flying to the east coast or Chicago or Cleveland, you may face flight diversions or cancellations that can drastically change your plans with no warning. Depending on where you live, you may even face snow or ice or slush or rain, sometimes in a relatively short time. Sometimes combined. This contrast also causes a change in wardrobe from coast to coast or state to state, and even more luggage.
All of these contrasts can cause us (the haves & have nots) or us (the happy & unhappy) to have violent mood swings in many directions, which brings me to the salvation of the whole month and even our sanity – MUSIC! Our favorite Christmas songs and movies that contain our favorite scenes and songs that we have watched and heard over and over for many years are like an anchor, grounding us against the many and varied contrasts contained in the month of December. Embrace the music, the standards and the carols and you will reach the New Year with your sanity intact. Think of your radio & your iPod & your CD collection as therapy, as a hedge against the unknown. Inhale it with your ears and even your pores and you will survive. Think of music as your friend, your new found friend. (there are some suggestions contained in this web site)…
Good luck, and have a Merry Christmas!