Generosity Begins at Home

The holiday season is upon us and many are making our way to airports, gas stations, train stations what have you. Or maybe you’re the one staying put preparing to receive the cavalry of friends and family. It is beyond cliché to say that holidays are trying. What with the inconvenience of travel (by any means), the disruption of the normal routine along with the accompanying frayed nerves it isn’t any wonder that we forget to be civil. Especially during this time we have to remind ourselves that we are spending time with the people that mean the most to us and instead of easing up on the ritual of good manners, we should resolve to be even more gracious during this time.

We naturally let down our guard around those we are closest to and care for the most. Conversely, we tend to put on our best behavior for “company”. While SP agrees, and encourages, the use of civility with strangers and new people, it is here that I would like to remind all – and myself – to treat the ones we care for the most with the same respect and exemplary behavior we save for others. Let’s all resolve to bite our tongues, suppress the snappy comeback, and dispense with the critical judgment. Whether enjoying a casual dinner at an old friend’s house or dressing up to sit down to dine with the family, let’s resolve to make everyone feel welcome, respected, and loved. Everyday civility is what we seek, especially with friends and family. And now please strike up a round of Kumbaya. I’m serious. Don’t you feel better already?