All cultures share an interesting tradition that once was sacred but has turned into something commercialized. Multiple days throughout the year are dedicated to celebrating some sort of "holiday." Along with the specific date come the expectations of behaving and celebrating in a particular way. There is Halloween, where we, of course, dress up in customs, and depending on your age dictates how you celebrate. Some dress up and trick or treat, while others dress up and blackout. What is interesting is that Halloween originated as a day to celebrate the dead. Not sure how candy and blacking out pays tribute. I am not trying to sound like a scrooge here but merely pointing out that the purpose of the day has completely lost its meaning to most, as it has become commercialized. We find this common thread in all holidays. We move further from appreciating the significance of the day, to mindlessly follow the expected behaviors. I dare a husband not to get his wife flowers on Valentine's day. What I am saying is that society pressures us to behave in a particular manner on these holidays that make us lose sight of what we are really even celebrating. For example, if it is someone's birthday, it is expected to be extra nice them, and if you are close enough to the person to make a thoughtful gesture. Whether in the form of a gift or activity. If we love someone, why do we have to wait till that one day a year to act like that towards them? Why not instead, treat our loved ones in a special manner as much as we can and in a spontaneous fashion. I respect the husband that randomly buys my wife flowers just because. Rather than the husband that buys 48 roses and a box chocolates on Valentine's day, and that's the only day his wife receives flowers. With social media being the all-seeing eye in the world, the expectations have gotten out of control. People want to feel special but also want something to brag about on the internet. So everyone can see that they are loved and appreciated. Although, if they scroll down their feed, there will be about a dozen other posts identical to there's. To me, that is not special merely just a way of "keeping up with the Jones." It's the random moments in life that are exciting and make authentic memories. Not the same planned days, every year, with a variation of the same gifts exchanged. Where is the spontaneity and excitement? It's like going to see a movie and when you buy a ticket the cashier tells you the ending. However, if you don't partake in the festivities of the day, feelings are hurt, and you are considered selfish. So everyone participates in the day, some more enthusiastic than others. We should strive to show our loved ones thoughtful gestures when our soul is moved to do so. Randomly throughout the year, not on set scheduled days. Scheduling makes us lazy, and we lose sight of what is really important. It's the moments that are created in the least expected scenarios that we remember dearest. The spur of the moment happy hour you go to that turns into an unforgettable night of events. The random bouquet of flowers you grab your wife on the way home from work because you know she had a long day. The random card you send to your Grandma just to remind her how much you love her. Acts like these make a difference in the lives of the people we love the most. I don't expect society or anyone for that manner to not celebrate Halloween, Valentine's Day, or any other holiday for that matter. The point I am trying to make is that we should not rely on these days to make the people we love the most feel special. We instead should strive to make them feel special as often as we can and in a spontaneous manner. It's the unexpected moments in life that are always the most memorable and exciting.
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