Galeries Lafayette Holiday Tree
© Meredith Mullins

Top 10 Quotes for the Holidays

It is hard to celebrate the holidays when so much seems to be going wrong. Flags are at half mast, politicians are acting their shoe size not their age, hurricane victims are still displaced, and missiles are flying over the Middle East, claiming the lives of innocents who just want to get on with their lives. The tragedy of Newtown, the fiscal cliff, hurricane devastation, and all out warfare in several countries have dimmed the sparkling lights.

But it is precisely these tumultuous events that make it important to revisit the spirit of the holidays and make life-affirming feelings a permanent part of our values.

The Magic of Holiday Windows
© Meredith Mullins

As Agnes Pharo said, “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.”

We know this to be true, but the OIC Moment comes with not letting these feelings slip away after the tree comes down or the menorah goes dark.

Here are my favorite top ten holiday quotes to remind us of what is important and how we might learn life lessons from tumult as well as strength of spirit.

1. Christmas! Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart. (Washington Irving)

2. I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year long. (Charles Dickens)

3. My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that? (Bob Hope)

4. He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. (Roy L. Smith)

5. May the lights of Hanukkah usher in a better world for all humankind. (Hanukkah Blessing)

The Lights of Hanukkuh
© Thinkstock

6. Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more. (Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

7. To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year. (E.B. White)

8. Next to a circus, there ain’t nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit. (Kin Hubbard)

9. Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” (Eric Sevareid)

10. And wild and sweet, the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

And a bonus from Dave Barry:

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it “Christmas” and went to church; the Jews called it “Hanukkah” and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say “Merry Christmas!” or “Happy Hanukkah!” or (to the atheists) “Look out for the wall!”

We look forward to your favorite holiday quote or words of wisdom in the Comments section below.

All I want for Christmas . . .
© Meredith Mullins

Happy holidays! May your hearts be full and the hope for peace not just a distant dream.

Quotes courtesy of Brainy Quote, All Great Quotes, and Goodreads

Inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.