The importance of being earnest?

What is this word, melancholy? Because I sort of like it. I think it teaches lessons of life. I think it is proving ground for the heart and prevents complacency. Here is my reasoning... And as my mother is steadfast in saying..."this will eventually get to my point"...Winter brings its own shade of this word, this "state of being." Maybe it's because we are more often "trapped" inside with our thoughts and feelings, left to contemplate about our lives, our habits, sometimes, our everything. I appreciate the recourse of the Thesaurus' explanation of similar aspects of this word. Because I often find myself meditating on my place in life. I also enjoy ruminating over what I've done, but rarely on what I have yet to do. It's such a common descriptor of so many artists- that they can even assume a "period" of such earnestness.

I enjoy this word, because it is at its peak that I am left to deal with myself, by myself. And sometimes, somber can be inspirational. Sometimes, always being rational, isn't rational anymore.
If there is no severity in my effort to live, then what is it's purpose? It's often at the bleakest times, within the depth of doom and gloom that I realize the purpose is to still believe when all hope is lost; to persevere when everyone else has given up; to keep searching when all light has gone dim. What is my meaning of life? To live - and to live with purpose. This is some of what melancholy has taught me, and not without trial and tribulation, I assure you. But it is because of those "character building experiences" that I am reminded that life is not to be lived in all seriousness. That living should also embody frivolity and mischief and playfulness. So I enjoy this word, melancholy, because it teaches best its most opposite of meanings- pure bliss, priceless joy. For if we do not know sadness and its countless intricacies, how do we ever understand happiness?
Make no mistake, I solemnly appreciate the importance of being earnest. Because in that most sedate comprehension, I have realized my earnestness is only best realized when it is directed toward its antonym.

My Christmas Spirit

Of all the times of year for people to get carried away in rushing around and buying and wanting things....it doesn't make sense! I know there are numerous different stories and legends and traditions that have gotten us to where we are today...I guess. But that doesn't mean we have to ascribe to that! I will admit that there have been times when I have been carried off in the avalanche of what Americans seem to think Christmas is...but the older I get, the less I'm interested in that hustle and bustle. Especially when thsi time of year brings such great dreamy memories of family traditions and christmas eve candlelight services and how the tree looks in the dark with the lights after it's been decorated. It's much more a time of reflection and emotion for me than of all these tangible "must-haves". I don't say that to sound all philosophical or anything, but I really just don't get the stress people end up feeling this time of year- espcially since they're putting it upon themselves.
My parents have given my sister and I a "can't live without" present for as long as I can remember getting presents. It's possibly one of the best ideas I've ever experienced- especially as a kid- where we could pick out a toy or whatever, within a defined money amount, and baptize it with the title of "I can't live without this." It was pretty much a sure thing that it would be under the tree- and my mom did a great job of waiting until Christmas morning to put it there, so there was always that underlying adolescent angst that they might not have understood what you asked for!
Over the years, my parents still generously grant our CLW's...but I think I'm finding that what I want most anymore is to be with my loved ones this time of year. More than tangible presents- the love of dear and treasured ones in my life is priceless to me. And the idea of combining that with all the musings of this season- THAT will truly always be my Can't Live Without.