now playing:i still haven’t found what i’m looking for/u2

I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

–charlie brown (from A Charlie Brown Christmas)

fictional characters speak truth on occasion. this feeling is not too divorced from reality for some of us during the Christmas season. we trim ourselves a festive tree, spend days and days addressing cards to people we hardly ever see or know, and indulge in a little retail therapy while picking out presents for family and friends. all this is fun. but what does it really mean when all the presents are unwrapped and the tree is gone? have we really found what we are looking for, or does the whole process of preparing for Christmas leave us somewhat empty and just a little depressed?

where we make the mistake, i think, is taking too much time during this season thinking about our regrets, our mistakes, and how far we believe we are from our idealized view of the future. in order to progress, we must recognize that we can’t control much of what happens in our lives. we certainly can’t change the past. what is important is that we find out who we are and our purpose here on earth, because true happiness is elusive otherwise. that’s true at Christmas. that’s also true on all the other days too.

related:

a replica charlie brown Christmas tree
Rudolph, Charlie Brown not for kids anymore?

if you’re looking for gift ideas for your star wars-addict friend, try this.

my favorite yet incredibly cheesy animated christmas specials:
(the original) grinch that stole Christmas
rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
charlie brown Christmas

other favorites:
it’s a wonderful life

in case you are still looking for an answer in Christmas:

Charlie Brown(shouting in desperation): Isn’t there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. (A spotlight shines on Linus.)

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'”. That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

for those who believe in God, it’s the answer to the question. for those who don’t, the search continues.

this is….posted without any regrets.