All year long, we look forward to the first weekend of December for the annual Christmas parade. Many communities host their own parade but the one we like to attend, is organized by caring individuals in a small town where my daughter grew up.
I have to say, the people there have found the right formula for kicking off the Christmas season and spreading joy. The entire town shows up for the evening event. Town merchants and organisations convert tractors, trucks and wagons into festive brightly lit displays, blaring music from speakers, usually with participants dancing, clapping and throwing candy canes to their neighbours cheering them on.
It’s a huge volunteer effort, involving the local fire department, social clubs and town staff barricading streets, setting up, tearing down, so that every one in town can have this joyful moment.
The parade may have up to fifty floats meandering through residential streets, and families sit or stand at the end of their driveway, toasty warm in their lawn chairs and blankets, happily waving and laughing, as they recognize participants on the floats.
It’s a time when people come together to celebrate, appreciate each other, and spread the happiness that defines the essence of Christmas.
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.”
– Herman Melville
Human connections, whether with family, friends, or community, contribute significantly to the joy and richness of life. That’s because sharing moments with others creates a sense of camaraderie and joy in mutual activities.
Connect with Others
Like the people who enjoy that parade every year,
• Give your full attention when interacting to show that you value the connection.
• Engage in shared interests or experiences that can deepen your connection.
• Create an atmosphere where others feel comfortable
• Don’t forget to appreciate diversity and respect different perspectives and make sure you celebrate the successes and milestones of those around you.
I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
– Brené Brown
Engage in Activities You Love
Do things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Engaging in activities you love involves prioritizing your interests and making intentional time for them. Here are some ways to do that:
• Schedule Time
• Set Priorities
• Designate a space to make it easier to immerse yourself in them.
• Join Clubs or Groups
• Learn Continuously Celebrate Milestones
By intentionally incorporating activities you love into your routine, you enhance your overall well-being and sense of fulfillment. That’s the way to cultivate joy!
When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him. In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
– Albert Camus
