Below are some examples of lyrics:
JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME
IT’S THE HAP, HAPPIEST TIME OF THE YEAR
A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT, WE’RE HAPPY TONIGHT
‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY
OH WHAT FUN IT IS TO RIDE IN A ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH
I agree with the spirit of these songs. This is a time to be of good cheer - but not just now, it’s for all of the time. However, I realize that if you have pain or various symptoms of diseases, you might find it difficult to be cheerful. In addition, if you are tormented with fear, or worried or troubled in relationships, you might find more to be unhappy about than to be happy.
Throughout the year, I have written numerous articles to encourage people to pursue methods to live a healthy lifestyle. I have found that most happy people are also healthy people. The bottom line is that our level of joy is in our hands.
Studies show that laughter releases chemicals into your system that promotes health. I saw a website for a school of laughter and they advertised the importance of the laugh and offered classes that included laughter training. Others beside me must also believe that cheer should be year round. Studies show that stress is relieved and more oxygen is dispersed throughout your body with laughter.
An April 7, 2006 article on the CBS website reviewed the benefits of laughter on the body in its blood flow, immune response, blood sugar levels and relaxation and sleep. It also said that studies by a researcher at Vanderbilt University reveal that laughter also burns calories.
The Proverbs encourage us to laugh, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine,” “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,”
Circumstances don’t necessarily change because of the season. The holidays signify the birth of the Savior of the world; but, the Savior is just as alive in June and July as He is in December. I encourage you to be of good cheer during this season and throughout the year.
So, the question is, how do we have joy all year? I have four suggestions that can help you to maintain a high level of joy.
Celebrate your life. Remember that you are unique and there is absolutely no one like you. You have your own fingerprints, personality, physical body, likes, dislikes, etc. No matter what the level of your income or your social standing, you are important. There will never be another you in this life and on this earth. You uniquely imprint your talents, gifts and skills.
Love yourself. I heard a song that declared, “I am my own best friend.” Yes, be your own best friend and take care of yourself. Take care of your body by giving it the best type of food that will provide energy and nourishment. Exercise your body so your body can function the way it was designed to function. Pamper yourself by doing things that you like to do. Although others will love you, no one can love you better than you can love yourself.
Forgive yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously – lighten up! You will make mistakes; learn from them and improve. Often we expect ourselves to be perfect. Well, no one is free from mistakes. Life is a constant learning experience and we encounter new situations daily. Make sure you are rooted in sound beliefs and principles for guidelines in making decisions. Live out of your spirit and learn to forgive yourself.
Love others. Loving others requires a person to consider the feelings of others. None of us can survive without other people in our lives. Most disagreements begin by the lack of consideration for others. Just as you forgive yourself, forgive others. When we love others, we will find that our lives will have fewer conflicts and problem relationships.
These suggestions will promote a life full of holidays. You can awaken every day and say, “’tis the season to be jolly.”
