Things To Actually Be Happy About This Holiday Season

The world seems bleak and desolate right now. There’s constant war; times are hard for a lot of people. It's left a lot of people feeling hopeless--especially at a time when we want to come together the most. 

Well, good news. There are still things to be happy about. The grass may not feel the greenest on our side, but at least it's sprouting a few new blades of joy.

You’re able to read this right now!

If you are reading this, congratulations! You have the means to view this in some manner. Not a lot of people are afforded the luxury of being able to see things online or in the press, and there are some people who don’t have the ability to read at all. You are here. And reading this. So give yourself an extra scoop of mashed potatoes. You deserve it.

You’re alive!

Do you know how many people aren’t alive right now? Like, a lot. 105 people die per minute, so right now while you’re reading this, people are dying. If you’ve made it this far, then you’re currently not dead.

You learned which people in your life to value most

We’ve all had our share of deceit, betrayal and being just generally exhausted by some of the people around us. That’s the power of human nature--and social media. The older you get, the more you get to see what lies behind the reality of humanity. Some are good to some, some are bad to some. Very rarely is it all black and white. Everybody is a hero to somebody, and everybody is a monster to somebody. Maybe you're mad at Mom and Dad because they voted differently than you did, but they're around, and they have a nice casserole prepared. Take this time to be around the people who you value...and who value you. 

You reconnected with art

Anytime a beloved musician, actor or artist dies, we remember what made their work resonate so deeply with us. in 2016, you got to listen to Purple Rain and remember what makes it so amazing. Or watch Love Actually and get mad at Alan Rickman’s character all over again. 

Somebody is happy

I know, I know. Very silver-lining/contrarian/utopian, but everything you’re feeling right now? Other people have felt that way at some point, too, and maybe at least one of them is happy or has some weird glimmer of hope. There are things we’d like to believe in regards to how some people voted or lead their lives, but it’s not as generalized as you would think. Maybe turn off the news and shut down your social media channels. Find what truly makes you happy, so you can be that somebody.

You will be okay. So pop the bubble and enjoy your holidays...before they exclusively make us call September to January "Christmas." 

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Martin Morrow (@martinMmorrow) is an ensemble member in The Second City's 105th Mainstage revue The Winner...Of Our Discontent.