Being Happy During This Happy Time

I happily sang my way through the grocery store today. Some people completely ignored me. Others smiled my way. I'm not sure if they were humoring me or truly enjoyed my singing, but they smiled. When I got to the checkout line, the man behind me commented on being entertained in line. Now I need to make it clear that this is the last Saturday before Christmas. At 9:00 a.m., the grocery store was busy. The traffic to the store, and the mall, was bumper to bumper. It promised to only get busier. The cashier commented on how pleasant it was to have a happy customer.

Now, I have a theory. I believe that the people who get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas are less happy than those who don't. I see it two ways. First, they are probably trying to compensate for something with all the stuff. There is no reason to overspend year after year, unless they are trying to fill some hole. Or maybe they are trying to buy someone's love. Second, they are spending so much time looking for the perfect gift for everyone that they forget to be happy. It is difficult for them to enjoy the music, the magic, the lights when they are rushing around trying to get all done.

So, if my theory is true, then people who don't get caught up in the commercialism tend to be happier. They are taking the time to enjoy their friends and family. They are listening to the music and enjoying the lights. They are looking forward to the magic of Christmas Eve and the joy of Christmas. They aren't at the mall.

It is no big surprise that I am in the second group. I have purchased what I need to, but I have not overspent. I have remembered my friends and family. I also look forward to spending time with my loved ones. I spent the morning in front of my lit tree with my coffee. I'm looking forward to driving around looking at Christmas lights tomorrow. The freshly fallen snow will only add to the beauty. I sing through the grocery store, happily.