A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory like a thunderstorm and we all go through it together.
By: Garrison Keillor
Christmas, with its twinkling lights and merry jingles, often sweeps in like a wave of warmth during the chill of winter. It’s a time when the world seems to pause, if only for a moment, to embrace a sense of unity and shared experience. Garrison Keillor once said, “A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.” This sentiment captures the essence of the holiday season—a collective journey through tradition, celebration, and, for many, reflection.
Just as a thunderstorm arrives with its commanding presence, Christmas too makes its entrance each year without fail. It’s inevitable, and its approach is felt by everyone, regardless of whether they celebrate it or not. The beauty of this season lies in its universality. It’s a time when differences are set aside, and people come together, bound by the spirit of the season. The inevitability of Christmas, much like the certainty of a thunderstorm, reminds us that there are larger forces at play—forces that unite us in a shared human experience.
During Christmas, the air is filled with a sense of camaraderie. Families gather, friends reconnect, and even strangers exchange smiles and well-wishes. This is the magic of the season—the way it builds bridges and fosters connections. It’s a period when memories are made and traditions are honored. From the simple act of decorating a tree to the joy of giving and receiving gifts, these shared experiences become the threads that weave the tapestry of our collective Christmas story.
Thunderstorms, with their rumbling echoes and flashes of lightning, can be both awe-inspiring and intimidating. They remind us of nature’s power and our own vulnerability. Similarly, Christmas can be overwhelming with its flurry of activities and emotions. Yet, there’s wisdom to be gleaned from the thunderstorm. It teaches us to appreciate the calm after the storm, to find beauty in the chaos, and to understand that even the most turbulent times pass. Christmas, too, offers lessons. It encourages us to cherish the moments of peace, to find joy in giving, and to remember that the season, with all its demands, is fleeting.
Since Christmas is compulsory, much like the weather, why not embrace it with a positive spirit? There’s joy to be found in the rituals and customs that define the season. Whether it’s baking cookies, singing carols, or simply enjoying the festive decorations, these activities offer a chance to step away from the routine and indulge in the pleasures of the season. By engaging in the spirit of Christmas, we open ourselves up to happiness and create a space for positive experiences to flourish.
Just as we seek shelter together during a thunderstorm, Christmas is a time to support and uplift one another. It’s an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need, to offer kindness to those around us, and to share in the warmth of human connection. By weathering the season together, we reinforce the bonds of community and remind ourselves that we are not alone in our journey through life.
Christmas, in its compulsory nature, is a reminder that some of life’s experiences are universal. It’s a season that transcends boundaries and brings people together in a shared narrative of joy, reflection, and togetherness. As Garrison Keillor aptly put it, we all go through it together, like a thunderstorm that leaves the world refreshed and renewed in its wake. Let us embrace the compulsory nature of Christmas and find the beauty in this collective journey, for it is in togetherness that the true spirit of the season shines brightest.
Garrison Keillor is an American author, storyteller, humorist, voice actor, and radio personality. He is best known as the creator of the Minnesota Public Radio show “A Prairie Home Companion,” which he hosted from 1974 to 2016.
The quote by Garrison Keillor suggests that Christmas is an unavoidable and universal experience that everyone goes through together, much like a thunderstorm. It emphasizes the communal aspect of the holiday season.
We can embrace the compulsory nature of Christmas by participating in the season’s traditions, connecting with others, and finding joy in the shared experiences and the spirit of giving that define the holiday.
Christmas is compared to a thunderstorm because both are powerful and inevitable events that people experience collectively. The comparison highlights the idea that Christmas, like a thunderstorm, is a natural occurrence that brings people together.
Yes, Christmas can be overwhelming with its many activities and emotional demands. We can manage this by focusing on the positive aspects, such as the joy of togetherness and the spirit of giving, and by taking time to relax and appreciate the quieter moments of the season.
Some ways to find joy during the Christmas season include engaging in festive activities, spending time with loved ones, giving to others, and taking time to reflect on the year and the meaning of the holiday.
Christmas fosters connections between people through shared traditions, collective celebrations, and the general spirit of goodwill that encourages reaching out to others, reconnecting with friends and family, and making new memories together.
From the thunderstorm, we can learn to appreciate the calm after chaos and find beauty in nature’s power. From Christmas, we can learn to cherish moments of peace, find joy in giving, and remember the importance of togetherness and community.
Yes, helping others during the Christmas season is important as it embodies the spirit of giving and compassion that is central to the holiday. It strengthens community bonds and provides support to those who may be in need.
To make the most of the Christmas season, actively participate in traditions that bring joy, take the opportunity to rest and reflect, give generously, and cherish the time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories.
