When does the season of joy end?

Christmas time is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons a part from the celebration of my faith. I enjoy the beauty and calm of the first snow fall, of twinkling lights from houses, how stop lights even appear to be hung for the season, all along with a change in attitude of complete strangers smiling more to each other and extending gracious (and common) social courtesy.

In the first two weeks of January, most households dismantle their holiday cheer often spurned on by city deadlines for tree pick-up services and in the northern parts of the country whether brought on by frustration at the difficulty of driving in icy conditions or simply forgetting how good it felt to be courteous to one another, motorists drive selfishly once again.

When does the season of joy end?

What is the acceptable date to take down Christmas decorations? What makes this date acceptable?

When does it become acceptable to dismiss extensions of grace?

A ‘season of joy’ exists outside of the Christmas celebration however, as I would say we experience a season of joy in our relationships as well, both personal and professional.

Think of the new hire’s first two weeks in the office; how he’s treated and how he acts. Think how you behave in the first few months of a new relationship.

Initially everyone is on their best behavior and providing the benefit of the doubt for actions misunderstood. We even go above and beyond expectations to delight our new partner, boss, colleague, or friend.

In this season, everyone is mostly happy, contributing, and collaborating.

Then what?

It changes.

You know what I’m talking about: suspicion, jealousy, pride, mistrust, ambition.. it all comes rushing in.

The season of joy ends.

Unlike holy days marking a calendar, within our relationships we have no excuse to let our diligence falter. We have no excuse to take advantage of others, to stop providing the benefit of the doubt or to desist in giving our personal best.

Let the season of joy continue with collaboration, adoration, trust, and extensions of grace.

For me – in regard to the season of celebration to Jesus’ birth, I’ve decided that perhaps Ash Wednesday is a good date to desist and remove the frolic of Christmas decorations; somber holy days clashing wildly with colorful paper ornaments and twinkling lights.