Dear children,
Merry Christmas! I, Santa Claus, have a special message for all of you from Mark Twain. He wishes all of you a wonderful and joyful Christmas season this year. Last year was especially difficult for many of us, but he believes that with the holidays fast approaching, life will be back to normal before we even know it.
Mark Twain recently wrote a letter about the importance of reflecting on what we are truly grateful for during the holidays. He reminded us of the values his generation admired and cherished that have been passed down through the ages. He expressed his hope that such cherished traditions will be preserved in a world full of change and uncertainty.
In his letter, Mark Twain expressed his belief that the Christmas season should be a time of coming together, not only as families, but also as a nation of people. He encouraged us all to gather in the spirit of unity and hope, despite any differences we might have. He reminded us how much can be accomplished when we are united in a common cause.
Finally, he reminded us of the power of simple words and gestures. Even though we live in an ever-evolving digital age, he reminded us of the impact of real-life stories and personal reminders that could never come from a text or email. He wanted us to remember the importance of spending quality time with one another and taking the time to appreciate the grandeur of life. His words speak to the importance of cherishing time spent with our loved ones and creating special memories that will last far beyond the holidays.
As Mark Twain’s letter continues to resonate throughout the ages and the holiday season nears, let us hold fast to the values he extolled and the notion of unity he earnestly sought. May our hearts be filled with cheer and may this holiday season bring us closer together.
Making the Holidays Magical
Twain’s letter reminded us of the need to bring magic and wonder back into the holidays. In modern times, it’s easy for holidays to move away from their roots of celebrations of family, tradition, and spirituality, and become more about checking off a list of to-dos or just trying to get everything done. Twain reminded us to take the time to really enjoy and appreciate our time with family and friends.
For many adults, festivities like dull office parties, endless errands, and trudging through the mall can lead to the feeling of the holidays being a bit too stressful—but it doesn’t have to be this way. To experiencesmagic, one can look to beloved holiday customs of the past, such as attending a carol singalong or even making tree ornaments to celebrate the season. If venturing out is not an option due to Covid, one can usually find a virtual carol singalong online.
From decorating the tree, to gathering around it to sing and tell stories, traditions and rituals are essential for both adults and children alike. Even routine activities like making cookies, gift wrapping, or decorating the house can become special moments for delighted memories and long-lasting traditions.
Sometimes the little things, from sharing a meal to simply admiring the lights on the tree, can make all the difference in turning a holiday from a chaotic time to a magical one. By celebrating the spirit of the holiday season, and making the time for these special moments, we can stay connected to the ancient customs that have lasted throughout the ages.
Celebrating with Gratitude
Mark Twain’s letter reminds us of the importance of giving thanks and expressing appreciation through the holidays. In his letter, he urged us to take this time to remind ourselves and our family of the things we are most grateful for. Gratitude has been used as a means of connecting families and strengthening bonds in this season of giving.
While it’s important to remember the tangible gifts of the holiday season, it’s also important to give thanks for the intangible gifts we are often blessed with. We can express our gratitude for a healthy family and for the love shared between friends and family. We can be thankful for friends that inspire us and our ability to make change in the world.
This is also a time to give thanks for creative pursuits, especially in a moment where so much of the world has shifted to virtual space. Even if the family is not able to gather together due to safety concerns, one can connect with family and friends from distant lands or with those who have passed on through creative media. Whether it is a virtual cooking class with a distant cousin, creating new artwork, or making a video in tribute to a lost family member, creativity can keep us connected in meaningful and special ways.
We can use this season to send out waves of hope and gratefulness, acknowledging our shared humanity and how much we all have in common, no matter how different our backgrounds may be.
Spreading Kindness
Mark Twain’s letter also spoke of spreading kindness and goodwill during the holidays, in times of struggle and strife, as well as in times of happiness and security. In addition to helping out within our circle, we can often do small things, such as taking a minute out of our day to simply spread kindness in whatever form we are comfortable with, from using our creative voice on social media to just smiling more.
We can extend kindness to those most in need during the holidays, sending food and other resources to those most in need or to food pantries that can help get that aid to people in need. Mark Twain also reminded us of the power of small gestures, encouraging even children to put aside some allowance or extra money earned to purchase small gifts for those in need or to donate to those less fortunate.
We can spread goodwill and kindness by simply being available to help out others in whatever means possible. If we can find a way to give of our time, energy, or resources, it can make a difference in someone’s life. And we can take pleasure in the message of warmth that can come from small gestures.
Finding Peace and Joy
In the midst of a tumultuous year, where hope and joy can be hard to find, we can look to Twain’s letter for inspiration. He spoke of how acknowledging our shared humanity and coming together in spirit of peace can help make the holidays more meaningful. He reminded us to look for the joy in small moments and celebrate the value we bring to one another.
This season, we can use the moments to really appreciate the people in our lives. Whether through a letter, text, phone call, or virtual video chat, it is never a bad time to express love and appreciation for one another. Reaching out and connecting in more personal ways can forge a powerful connection and show others how much they mean to us.
In our search for joy, it is easy to forget its power lies in the presence of our loved ones. We can use the holiday season to recognize its importance and recreate beloved family customs or traditions. This can include activities like singing traditional songs, sharing stories from previous holidays, or even just playing board games. These activities might seem small, but in the bigger picture, they can contribute to a life full of love and happiness.
Creating Lasting Memories
While it may seem impossible to create lasting memories under the current pandemic, there are many things families can do to make the holidays special. Many people are choosing to go caroling in person or virtually, taking part in holiday workshops, or hosting a virtual hot chocolate party. There are plenty of ways to create meaningful holiday memories in spite of the circumstances.
Making a meaningful memory can start with a simple plan. We can choose meaningful activities and gather a group of family and friends. We can surprise family members with thoughtful presents, such as homemade cards or decorations, as well as virtual gatherings. We can also allocate a virtual space to capture memories of the holidays, such as a shared document of holiday stories.
Finally, we can document our holidays with photos. We can take photos together and incorporate creative elements such as props or special effects. We can also create keepsakes by designing a scrapbook, making a collage, or writing a handwritten letter about the holidays. These mementos can be treasured and will become lasting memories for future holiday seasons.
Giving Back to the Community
The holidays are also a time to give to other members of our local community, from contributing to youth programs to participating in food drives. During this difficult year, many charities are paying special attention to those facing food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness. By giving to the community, we can help break the cycle of poverty and show our appreciation for those that give their all to the people around them.
In addition to donating money and basic goods, we can also think of ways to give back to our community in other ways. We can offer a lending hand to those in need by helping out with errands, mentoring someone in our community, or simply giving someone a listening ear in times of difficulty.
We can look to Mark Twain’s words when contemplating how to impact our community. As the holiday spirit is shared, and we are mindful of those in need, we can make a difference in both large and small ways. By reflecting on Twain’s words, recognizing the values he cherished, and coming together, we can have a truly meaningful and special Christmas season.
