There are many many myths associated with any and every special holiday. The list extends from simple food rituals to attire related facts. Thus, here are some myth busters for the upcoming holiday – Christmas.
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It is the season of giving
In order to give, there must be those who are willing to receive. And to receive, there must be individuals willing to give. Ideally there needs to be a balanced interchange. When we don’t allow others to give to us gifts, we deny them the pleasure that comes with giving and when others resist our generosity, they do the same to us. Truly appreciating any gifts we receive and letting our gratitude be known is actually just as noble as giving gifts.
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Reciprocating with gifts of equal or greater monetary value
It is generally accepted that if we receive a gift valued at say 50 bucks, we need to return the favour with a present of similar monetary value. In actuality, an inexpensive homemade gift, especially when it is personalised for the particular person, can be an even better gift. Using our talents to make a gift with the recipient’s interests foremost in mind can be the gift he treasures above all others. Whether it be, for example, his favourite baked goods from Bakingo’s online cake delivery in Lucknow services or a photo of them with their family in an unique frame, its value to the recipient has little to do with cost and everything to do with the love and thoughtfulness that is put into the making of the present.
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Christmas is now too commercial and materialistic
This is true only when we give gifts after gifts and send a multitude of cards with season’s greetings simply because we feel it is expected of us and because we feel obligated. Unlike some creatures that are guided mainly by instinct, we were given free will and the gift of never-ending desire. It is born into us to want ever more and better things in our lives. The secret to keeping our ever growing desires from becoming infused by materialism to fully appreciate all that we have and receive.
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During the holidays altruism trump’s business as usual
As a result, we tend to look more favourably, especially during the holidays, on the individual who helps out at the local soup kitchen than we do the businessman who keeps his nose to the grindstone building his commercial enterprise. Here’s the question: Is this judging of others in the true spirit of the season? Let us take a closer look. Let us say that the volunteer at the soup kitchen helps feed 350 less-fortunate folks, while the business owner employs the same number of people. Because of his starting and building his business (even over the holidays), these 350 workers and their families do not need the services of the soup kitchen and may even choose to help this non-profit enterprise with their time and/or money. The aforementioned does not even take into consideration the countless people who enjoy the benefits of the for-profit company’s services and/or products. The truth is that one is not better than the other; generously volunteering to help the less fortunate and running a successful business are both very noble uses of one’s time and talents.
Here are a couple of holiday myths worth an honourable mention:
- The holidays are a stressful time. The truth is they are stressful when we focus on the aspects of them that stress us and joyous when we mainly pay attention to the parts of the season that we like.
- It is a given that we will gain weight during the holidays. Actually, by using some simple techniques, such as eating less before and after parties, watching portion sizes, and keeping up our exercise routine, even if it means getting up extra early, we can maintain this during this very busy season of parties, et al.
That is my take on the myths of this holiday season. What’s yours? And, oh yes, have a glorious and delightful Christmas, New Years or whatever you celebrate!