Let?s keep Christmas spirit alive

?I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,? is a greeting we hear a lot at this time of year. Sometimes from people we don?t even know. Why is this? Is it because they really want us to have a great holiday, or is it just a case of wanting to be cheerful and nice during this particular season? Are they trying to impress the man in the red suit? Well, I?m asking why can?t we have this frame of mind all year long?

I know, it?s because it takes a lot of effort to be cheerful, kind and considerate to people all the time. Sometimes it?s just simpler to be grumpy and take the stresses of life out on other people. Still, I have noticed an upward trend of niceness and improved manners in recent years. A trend in which I approve. Yes, I know it?s hard to be nice and friendly all the time, but if you just make the effort, the rewards certainly pay off. I have found if you be nice to people, they will be nice back to you.

I spend a lot of time visiting area schools covering events for the Mini Standard, and I applaud teachers and staff for working hard instilling good manners in their students. Many children are not taught etiquette at home, so, yet another task falls on our teachers. You can?t help but favorably notice a child that smiles and says please and thank you. If you stop and think about it, anyone with a smile on their face and kind words coming out of their mouths are much more pleasant and enjoyable to be around.

I have tried to stress the importance of manners and practicing rules of etiquette with my children, and I have to say, it has paid off. At least they don?t have their elbows on the table, and eat with their hands! My oldest daughter is continuing the practice with her two children ? and I mean continuing, because 5-year-old Carter is a work in progress. The almost 2-year-old Lauren has already mastered many skills and specifically asks for a spoon for her chocolate cake!

Speaking of grandchildren, we are anticipating a wonderful Christmas present, as daughter Ashley is ready to deliver her son anytime. Baby Ian will hopefully make his appearance this year, so his parents can take advantage of the tax deduction.

Yes, the holiday season is a time of joy and of happiness and sometimes we all get caught up in the festivities brought about by the season. I just ask for all of us to try harder to keep that frame of mind all through the year. Try to remember to do nice things for people throughout the year, visit a shut-in, do something helpful for your neighbor or family member, share a meal with someone, or just smile and say ?good morning,? or ?thank you.?

I promise you, if you put forth that extra effort, the results will come back to bless you triple-fold. Who knows, it might make you feel a little better too. There have been studies done about the benefits derived from being cheerful and having a positive outlook, and they all resulted in positive feedback.

I truly hope everyone has a happy holiday season, and challenge all to kick off the new year with kindness, and further challenge you to keep it going all year long ? please.