HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Laugh A Little

Sometimes this so-called Joyous Season isn’t so joyous.

I’ll admit in my younger years I was somewhat self-centered and grumpy around Christmas time. I still remember when I was 10 years old; I couldn’t wait to open the presents under the Christmas tree. When my parents were away one afternoon, I carefully un-taped then re-taped the gifts with my name on them. I think it was that Christmas morning I realized my potential for being an actress, “Oh, what a surprise! I never thought that was a watch.” There was no joy in Whoville that year.

There was another Christmas after I got married that I was still thinking of myself. You see, my practical husband had given me a new sweeper every year since we tied the knot. Finally, one Christmas morning as I was opening another over-sized box, I dropped the snarky line, “If you bought me one more sweeper, you’re out of here.” And I couldn’t have been more Grinch-like the year I spent hours planning and decorating a themed tree for our living room -- so everything would go together perfectly. Yikes! I can hardly believe it now; but when my daughter arrived and started putting her presents under my phoo phoo Christmas tree, I blurted out, “Whoa, those don’t match!”

OMG

I’m so thankful that sometime, somewhere in my older years I finally accepted that “Laughter IS the best medicine” – that it can actually help.

And so, recently when I had my December visit to the dermatologist, it turned into a funny pre-Christmas experience. I was really concerned about some redness and a bumpy white circle that had appeared on my nose. The doctor said not to worry; it wasn’t cancer just geriatric rhinitis – a breakdown of cartilage as a result of aging. I was so relieved; I began laughing too hard to get the full explanation. And I blurted out, “You mean now my nose is going to sag like my boobs?”

I think the poor dermatologist was so stunned he even started chuckling, “Well, here’s a gift (and coupon). At least, this cream will help you with the small dark spots that are appearing too.”

I’m still snickering every time I think about it. A sagging nose???

You know laughter is instinctual when we hear or see something funny. It’s the repetitive contractions of the ribs, with the voice box producing the short, sharps sounds that come out in bursts. It’s actually good for social bonding and physical well-being. Not only does it improve others’ moods, but it also activates our own reward center, making us feel good — even in the worst circumstances. Research shows that laughter actually has a positive effect on our immune systems, helps burn calories and exercises our hearts.

Even God wants us to laugh. The old saying about laughter being the best medicine comes from Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” There are nearly 25 scriptures that refer to joy and laughter in the Bible.

The story in Genesis 21:6 of Sarah giving birth to Isaac when she was 90 years old really demonstrates that laughter, joy, celebration pleases God. “God has brought us laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” It’s interesting that the name Isaac means “child of laughter” or “He laughs.”

I know sometimes it seems as if there’s nothing to laugh about. Life can be really hard, but mental health professionals suggest we look for something funny every day even when our lives are unhappy — not to sit around waiting for it to happen. The world is full of craziness. Check out some of the humorous IG reels. Ha! Hopefully, you can also find a lighthearted moment reading my blog or watching “The Little Old Lady With The Red Purse” videos.

The Crown Fountain at the Millennium Park in Chicago displays 1000 different Chicago residents’ faces on two LED screens. During the warmer months water spouts out of their mouths.

Let your funny face stick out in the crowd. Give people the wonderful gift of laughter this Christmas.

It’ll Be OK.

~~~

“Next time a stranger talks to you when you’re alone just look at them shocked and whisper, ‘You can see me?’” ~ NotSalmon.com

QUESTION: What makes you laugh? Merry Christmas! xoxo