THE SIMPLE JOYS 

Although the actual rotational and orbital speeds of the earth are slowing minutely but steadily, I frequently find myself at odds with this well understood fact of physics. For as I subjectively perceive reality while living on this terrestrial ball (more closely approximating an oblate spheroid than a ball), it seems to me that the earth is spinning ever faster and breathlessly faster until the rapid pace blurs the scenery and sets my head whirling. Such acute attacks come more frequently during the holidays when shopping for gifts and attending more social gatherings are added to the constant busyness that is life in the 21^st century.

However, this year in particular I was determined to be proactive and not reactive. I decided to purposely simplify and to relish the everyday pleasures in life. If you’ve ever experienced the same sense of bewildering life acceleration, I’d urge you to do the same. But before I share my game plan with you, I have to be certain we have a common understanding, that our definition of “simple” or “everyday” is at least passingly similar. The following lyrics from the song “Simple Joys of Maidenhood” from Camelot illustrate the potential for misunderstanding:  

                        “Where are the simple joys of maidenhood?
                        Where are all those adoring, daring boys?
                        Where’s the knight pining so for me
                        he leaps to death in woe for me?
                        Oh, where are a maiden’s simple joys?”…

                        “Where are the simple joys of maidenhood?
                        Are those sweet, gentle pleasures gone for good?
                        Shall a feud not begin for me?
                        Shall kith not kill their kin for me?

                        Oh, where are the trivial joys?
                        Harmless, convivial joys?
                        Where are the simple joys of maidenhood?”*

Wow! Talk about a Diva!  This gal had some major expectations and an entirely different definition of “simple” than we do. Or did she? Do you ever set yourself up for a fall, particularly during the holidays, trying to make everything picture perfect? Say for instance, a turkey roasted to perfection, served on a gleaming sterling tray while family with Colgate-worthy smiles look on admiringly? Not really likely to happen on this planet unless your mother is Donna Reed.

So what to do? Well, I can’t really give you advice because I don’t know your situation or what is best for you. But here are some of the things I am doing this year to make things simpler and more enjoyable and more meaningful:

Most of the people on my gift list have an abundance of everything. Rather than buy them one more gift they do not need, I concentrated on buying for the children in my life and donated money to charity in the names of the adults on my list. The gesture benefits the needy, honors the intended gift recipient and tones down the “bustle” of holiday shopping. Furthermore, the practice strikes a blow against the ever-increasing wave of consumerism that so easily sucks each of us in and reminds me of the true meaning of this special time of year. 

For those for whom a gift was still appropriate, I decided to give a gift that would be enhanced by a shared experience, like a gift card for a restaurant or for a movie theatre with an accompanying note expressing a desire to spend more time with that person in the upcoming year.

However you choose to celebrate or not to celebrate this holiday season, I wish you a slower pace, simpler expectations and the time to savor life’s true pleasures with loving family and friends in the new year. 

*Words by Lerner and music by Loewe