It is the holiday season again. It is the time for of tacky decorations, generic holiday
music, crowded stores, and arguing over the proper way to greet each other during
this time of goodwill. We are told that we must be sensitive to others who may not
share our customs or culture, and should rely upon generic terms like ―Happy Holidays‖
or ―Seasons Greeting‖.
Isn’t it hypocritical and intolerant to refuse the good wishes of others simply because
they weren’t worded precisely the way we would have preferred them to be worded?
Doesn’t that lead us down a path where we choose our words so carefully for fear of
offending that we no longer say what we really mean? And once our
words no longer match our thoughts, how can there be any trust?
This issue goes far beyond how we greet each other between Thanksgiving
and New Year. We need candor and honesty if we hope to address
the real issues that exist among the different segments of our society. If
we enter a dialogue with our tongues tied, we would succeed in nothing
except sweeping those differences under the rug, where they’ll remain to haunt us
another day.
So let us simply accept a “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa”
as the kind blessing of another, whether we celebrate that holiday or not. Perhaps, if
we can stop taking offense when someone harmlessly says the wrong thing, we can
start discussing the real issues that separate us. In the end, that seems to be the real
path to tolerance, and ultimately, peace on earth, goodwill toward men and women.
In that spirit we would like to wish our residents and family members a wonderful holiday
season and may the coming Christmas, New Year, Hanukah, and Kwanzaa bring
happiness, great health, and prosperity. We would like to invite you all to our Christmas
and Ringing in 2009 parties.
What does the holiday season remind you of? Mistletoe, holly, Christmas tree,
Menorah lighting at Hanukkah, eggnog, Christmas pudding, and so many wonderful things. When the
heart is happy, holiday season can never be dull. It’s not just about feasting and fun. It’s also a time for
happy reunions with family and friends. What makes the holiday season special for you? When you
know the answer to that question, you will always find ways to make this coming month the best time
of the year.
Micha Shalev, MHA, Ben Herlinger, Carrie Lindberg, BS,RN
