Christmas

It’s Christmas day, and depending on the time in which you’re reading this, my family and I could be doing a number of different things. Right now, we might be huddled together on our living room couch, reading through the Christmas story. Or, my wife and I may be enjoying the children’s smiles and squeals of delight as our family opens presents around the Christmas tree. If you are reading this in the afternoon, chances are that we’re enjoying a traditional family meal prepared by my wife consisting of home-made soup, and more finger foods then can reasonably fit on the table.

Later on, it’s likely that we will be strolling together on Moonlight beach. Having grown up in California, a Christmas walk on the beach has long been one of my favorite moments of the year. In the evening we’ll enjoy hot cocoa while deciding on which favorite holiday special to watch.

So, you may be wondering what all of this has to do with communication, or you may have realized by now that moments like these are what communication is all about. You see, Christmas day isn’t a time for learning how to communicate, but it’s an opportunity for each of us to put our best foot forward by practicing the skills that we already know well. Some of the ways this happens is through:

• smiles
• laughter
• gifts
• family traditions, and
• simply spending time enjoying each other’s presence

My hope is that today you will be able to relax, lay aside the worries, anxieties, and hustle-and-bustle of life to communicate well. There is no better day to say:

• I love you
• You’re an important part of my life, and
• I’m grateful to know you

than on Christmas day, and I’m not the only one who feels this way. The value of communicating goodwill has been eloquently stated in a variety of ways.

Burton Hillis said,

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is in the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

 Helen Keller stated,

“The only blind person at Christmastime is he who has not Christmas in his heart.”

and Calvin Coolidge proclaimed,

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

Although this is my shortest post on the Adam Smith Blog, it’s for good reason. Today there is no need to leave a response at the end of the post. Instead, I’d encourage you to seek out someone you care about deeply and leave your comment with them. Let this loved one know how much they mean to you or, better yet, seek out two or three people and let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.

With that said, I want you to know that I am grateful for you and wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season this year!