www.womanthismonth.com 79 December 2014 he says Seven Days While everyone may not celebrate Christmas, James Claire believes we are all missing a greater opportunity if we dismiss this time of year. We often sing and talk about the 12 days of Christmas, but who knew that December 25th is actually the start of the 12 days of Christmas and not the end of them. When the song says “my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing and ten lords a leaping” it was in fact referring to the 2nd and 3rd of January. Another amazing thing to learn late in life. In any case, I believe we have been singing the wrong song. Whether Christmas is celebrated for religious reasons, family get-togethers or gift-giving purposes, it doesn’t much matter in my mind. In my youth I enjoyed that very day, but 30 years of hospitality industry behind me, the date is just another workday for me now. A very busy workday. I do however enjoy the free turkey and pudding afterwards. What we should be celebrating and singing about more, are the days from December 25th to December 31st; exactly 7 days before the end of the year. We have seven days in which to change, forgive, move on and get over the errors, successes, pains and passions of the past 358 days and venture forth unto a newer year with purity of heart and soul, into a new world of issues and commitments. Imagine starting a whole new 365 days with no burden of regret, resentment or debt. A whole new year and a whole new you. Christmas has been re-termed the ‘Festive Season’ or the ‘Holiday Season’ by those who don’t believe the religious iconography of the event. But perhaps we could make it a truly global time of year again by terming it the ‘Seven Days of Peace’. During the World Wars it was common for both sides to stop fighting and celebrate Christmas Day; or even just put down their weapons and offer a handshake. But a day can do little to resolve issues or change the minds of those fighting. Imagine a whole week where it is possible to pause wars and consider life, love and the issues at hand. I have long been an admirer of the seven principles of Bushido: rectitude; courage; benevolence; politeness; veracity; honour and loyalty. I believe that from December 25th to December 31st if we each take a day and assign it to one Bushido principle and reflect upon it for 24 hours, by the end of the week we might actually start every new year with a more optimistic outlook. So before you’re plagued with worry over presents, think about the gift you could give yourself and the entire world by starting a new philosophy with the ‘Seven Days of Peace’. Perhaps Dr Seus wrote it best in How the Grinch Stole Christmas: “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!” Merry Christmas to you all and may peace reign over us all.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==