It’s December again and for me, it’s the best time of year. I love Christmas. I enjoy the food, music, decorations, and the reminder of the year past. Christmas time also brings out the child-like wonder of our awesome world. Most of my memories from my youth are of cold December days with evenings of lights and hot drinks. There is one that is different.
I was 12 years old, and my dad was stationed in Japan with the US Air Force. We took a vacation to the Philippines for Christmas and stayed at a “resort” for military families. It was not a plush resort like we have now but more like a Holiday Inn, though it was comfortable and fun. This Christmas stands out in my memory because it was 80 degrees on Christmas. Not sweater weather! My siblings and I played outside all Christmas day, swimming, jumping on a trampoline, just being kids. I call this my “short sleeve Christmas.” It was a great time.
My “short sleeve Christmas” was unique and memorable, but most of my childhood memories have faded a bit over the years. Most of them are thoughts of being happy, content, and thankful but nothing specific. I like to think the last two months of difficulty on the stock market are similar to my childhood memories. At the moment it feels really important, but in 10 or 20 years I doubt we will remember whether the stock market was up or down. It will all be a general memory of the past, with no major significance.
This Christmas enjoy time with family. Slow down to ponder all the good things that WILL be remembered in 10 to 20 years from now such as children or grandchildren, activities with church and family, and significant decisions you made. Those memories will become your “short sleeve Christmas”, and will fill you with gratitude when you think back to this time. Merry Christmas everyone!