The Reason for the Season, by Dr. Ogi Ressel

Friday, June 19th 2009

My warm hellos to everyone of you!

A different THOT this week - Lynn suggested that I send you something
that will remind you of the reason for the season!

Here is what is often seen:
The stress, the scurrying, the guilt, the shame, and the façade of merriment
in the days before Christmas. I want you to know that no one is at fault,
but too often we get totally lost in the frenzy of the season: The shopping
that we struggle to conquer, the lost relatives we feel we must please, or
the parents, or the children. "Is this gift good enough?",  "Does Bobby have
more that Susie?", "Did I spend enough of the relatives' gifts?", ....and the
list goes on.

There is guilt around the fact that some don't have enough money for
expensive gifts - or even one gift. Some of you may feel shame that you
cannot adequately express your love for your family because you are not able
to purchase gifts for your loved ones. The family meal must be perfect! The
presents must be perfectly wrapped. The tree must be just right. The plum
pudding better than last year. Christmas is indeed a season of self-imposed stress.

To all that I say; "Bah...humbug!" You need to lighten up!

I know you've heard this before but I need to remind you that it is a season
of love and forgiveness and the reuniting of spirit. The presents and gifts are
a marketing reality. Oh, sure, everyone loves a surprise. But what all would
like even more, is the feeling of being connected with each other. It is a gift
that can be shared by all and it doesn't cost a penny.

And when the all is said and given, and received, and cooked, and eaten, and
cleaned, and done; the gift of being connected to one another will be the only
one truly remembered.

And that is the reason for the season!

And while I am on this topic I just have to include a short note of appreciation
for all women, and especially moms, out there, for without them, Christmas
just would not be what it is:

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and
female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop
their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to mid-December.

Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.
Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition depicting Santa's reindeer,
EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen, had to be a girl.

We should've known... ONLY women would be able to drag a fat man in a red
velvet suit all around the world, in one night, without a GPS, and not get lost.

Warmest wishes,
Dr. Ogi Ressel