By Jeff Whitaker
I’m glad to be back with the Shore Local family, sharing my thoughts and musings. I’m jumping back in at a time of year when things seem to be swirling all around. I mean, with Thanksgiving falling so late this year, the Christmas season seemed to come out of nowhere. Now, it’s the week leading into the big day.
For many of us, the rush is on. I don’t mean to get negative, but it doesn’t help me with the holiday spirit when you run into me and ask if I have all my shopping checked off. The reality is that I don’t. I’m still working on it. Forgive me if you are one of those “I had all my shopping done by October” kind of people.
Despite the looming deadline, let’s get to the positive side of the season: sharing special traditions made over the years. For my family, the really important ones are picking out, bringing home and decorating the Christmas tree; and the one special night when my wife makes homemade hot chocolate, hands out Christmas pajamas to the family and we sit around and watch “Polar Express” together. Then there’s also attending Christmas Eve church services, putting out milk and cookies for Santa and reading “The Night Before Christmas”. Our Christmas morning starts off reading the account of that first Christmas from the book of Luke. Then it’s time for gifts and family visits.
As the years pass, we are finding that after the wrapping paper hits the trash and the holidays are over, what our children talk about more than anything are the memories we make. It’s the trip to New York City to walk around the Big Apple and see the Rockefeller Center tree and Saks Fifth Avenue window displays; that’s what everyone will talk about for months and even years to come. And in years when we can’t make it to the city, that’s no problem. A ride to Cape May or Historic Smithville, looking at the lights and enjoying a walk around sipping hot chocolate, is just as memorable.
For some of you, a tradition could be a special meal you all share together. I know a couple of friends of ours who every year share the same tradition: Dad goes out with his girls for dinner and to pick out presents for Mom. They make a night of it, and it’s a special time shared together.
If you don’t have any traditions, there’s no time like the present to start. It really doesn’t take much of an imagination, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. That’s the point. It’s not about the materialism of the season. Instead, it’s about time spent and memories made.
I know for some of you, this time of year brings back memories of years gone by and loved ones who are no longer with you. You may be reading this and thinking, “None of this applies to me.” I hear you. But I’d say that’s why it’s even more important to find close friends, family or co-workers to make new memories. I’d even challenge you to find someone else to invest in. If you are alone, why not find someone else in a similar situation and reach out to them? You’ll most likely find that as you reach out to others, others will likely reach out to you. So, whatever special day you celebrate this season, recognize that time spent goes a whole lot further than money spent. At least, so I’ve found.
Again, I’m glad to be back with you. Next week, I’ll share some ideas for positive ways to start off the new year.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
