Holiday Perils

This is a special time of year and public media is all over it. We cannot escape the wonderfulness of the season. Then they begin to haunt us with report after report about how the season can be spoiled.

Weather emergencies is just one small example. Severe cold is the least of our worries evidently. No, the larger concern is heavy snow falls that will most likely destroy travel conditions. Millions of travelers at this time of year may truly have difficult times getting to wherever they are going, and then returning home afterwards. Most years are like this. Even when heavy weather is not forecast, we are reminded of what it could be like.

Then there are the weather conditions that will make walking, shopping and generally getting around difficult. Slips and falls are cautioned. Broken bones and casted limbs are threatened for this time of year when we gather with family and loved ones. How awful a cast will shadow the festivities!

Of course, there are distribution and shipping problems, inflation for buying the special gift for the special loved one, and so many other instances of gloom and doom.

It seems to me that living in times of celebration are heightened in value by just such threats. It is what makes them more memorable and valued. The holidays hold a special place for each of us. The good is great about our experiences. But the bad only makes the good seem more precious. Why worry about the natural upsets that may occur. If they do, the festivities will mean more. If they don’t occur, we’ve dodged a nasty bullet. We celebrate even more!

Well, perils of this time of year clearly work for the media. There are rating gains to be had just by mentioning the possible. But then, that’s our common experience every day of the year.

In spite of it all, let us each enjoy the holiday season however we will for the joy it brings us.

December 20, 2022

 

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