When I was a child I loved a little book by Charles Schultz called Happiness is a Warm Puppy.
Do you remember it?
Each page featured a drawing of Linus, Snoopy or some other Peanuts character enjoying something that made them happy: a pile of leaves, a fuzzy sweater, a chain of paper clips, or even the hiccups, … after they’ve gone away.
Charles Schultz understood that happiness comes from simple things. A profound thought that we adults seem to forget, especially at this over-busy and over-hyped time of year.
When I was a child, Christmastime was a magical season, full of small moments of happiness. Perhaps those small moments are still there today, if only I stopped to notice.
Today I am attempting to do just that. Here is my Christmas version of the Happiness book. However, since I am not Charles Schultz, I will not attempt drawings. We’ll all be happier that way.
Happiness is …
Happiness is a warm cat. (Sorry, Snoopy)
Happiness is setting the table for four instead of two.
Happiness is cutting your own tree.
Happiness is a fire in the fireplace.
Happiness is listening to two hours of Christmas music without a single rendition of O Holy Night.
Happiness is baking cookies.
Happiness is a quiet night at home.
-and-
Happiness is the annual pinochle-white-elephant-too-much-food party with good friends—especially when the dancing Santa makes another appearance. (The one we’ve all “improved” over the years.)
Happiness is a Christmas note from an old friend.
Happiness is an indulgent cup of Amaretto-spiked cocoa and a good book.
Happiness is wasting too much time on a jigsaw puzzle. (But I’m wasting it with my son, so it’s all good.)
Happiness is the same pecan-cinnamon Christmas bread I’ve eaten on Christmas morning since I was a kid.
Happiness is learning that I did, in fact, pick a perfect gift.
Happiness is pondering the absurdity of the Christmas story: Why would the infinite and all-powerful God want to become a helpless baby and live with us in this crazy, messed-up world?
But he did.
And it was good news of great joy.
It still is.
Have you thought about that lately?
What are the little things that bring you happiness this Christmas?
Find a warm puppy (or cat) to hug and think of a few.
Kelly Barr says
Love this post! What a great idea, and you are so right, it is all too easy to forget about the simple things. I hope you don’t mind if I use your idea to do my own version of “Christmas Happiness is” on my blog today. Thanks, Lisa.
Lisa says
Great! The more happiness we spread around, the better! And have a wonderful Christmas, full of simple moments of joy.
Donna L.H. Smith says
Your post made me smile, especially the Cat TV. And hey- O Holy Night is one of my favorites! I used to sing it, too, like in church, etc. But – to each his or her own. Your cookie idea made me think of Peppernuts, a German tiny Christmas sorta spice cookie jaw breaker (depending on how much flour you put in them.) I haven’t made them in years. My Christmases are quieter now that our relatives are either dead or far away or with their “other” family – but it’s all good! Sometimes we get together with friends later in the day. My new tradition is to make a pot of chili. 🙂 Hope to see you on Saturday, but if not, Merry Christmas.
Lisa says
I was wondering when someone would comment on O Holy Night, which is almost everyone’s favorite. As you say, to each his own. And making a pot of chili brings happiness on any day.
megan says
Happiness is so many childhood Christmas memories. Now happiness is enjoying some of them with my girls such as family time lighting the advent wreath, reading Twas the Night Before Christmas and the bible story of Jesus’ birth, hanging Christmas lights, and singing Christmas the “right version” of Christmas songs as they play on the radio, and many more!
Lisa says
Glad you are having so many happy moments with your girls. We recently spent a happy hour or so sitting around after dinner reading Patrick McManus stories to each other. Great fun. Hugs to everyone.