There is just something about the holiday season that brings people closer together. Two lovebirds snuggled up, watching the crackle of the fire, the howl of the snowy wind outside, the warm glow from the decorated Christmas tree, poinsettias adorn every corner of the room, and the children are nuzzled up in their bed, it is like a scene from an old book or Hollywood movie. Actually, the more modern version of this story begins with two individuals, exhausted from a long day at work, watching the flickering lights of the television contrast with the colorful glow from the Christmas tree as the kids run screaming from room to room in anticipation of Santa and the gifts he will bring.
The office party has gone from an elaborate celebration at a local hotel ballroom to a simple hour of food and fun in the middle of the workday. While a few companies still cater in the meal, many have moved to organizing a potluck amongst the employees and decorating the break room with Christmas flowers, streamers, and a few twinkling lights. For fun, employees either decorate their cubicles, or join forces to mass decorate a coworkers cube. In some locations, workers still gather for a Secret Santa gift exchange, though the rules are ever changing.
On a whole, business leaders no longer provide elaborate gifts or costly presents, instead opting to send everyone gift baskets. However, the Christmas gift baskets they send are filled with goodies that can be enjoyed by everyone, rather than a single item that can only be enjoyed by the boss. Many times, the basket will be filled with chocolates, cookies, or popcorn, though a few companies have been known to send teas, wines, and fruit.
Of all the things to change, courtship has remained very similar in its traditions, especially during the holidays. New couples are formed during Christmas parties, young teenagers exchange a beautiful Christmas flower in hopes of receiving their first kiss, and nervous gentlemen propose to their loves before meeting the rest of the family for Christmas dinner. Even newlyweds, with busy schedules and all, find time to slip away for a brief kiss under the mistletoe as a reminder of how much they love each other.
Even though the reality of today’s Christmas is far from the dreams of yesteryear, the season still finds a way to touch the hearts of nearly everyone. Even if it only happens for a few moments, that sense of joy and togetherness is enough to melt the iciest of personalities. Whether it is the laughter of friends at the Christmas party, or watching the children open the Christmas gift basket they have been dreaming of, Christmas still manages to bring everyone together, and for that, it is truly a one of a kind holiday.
