All I Want For Christmas

What do I want for Christmas? A gift card (or two) for iTunes would be great, actually: I could finally make a dent in that massive wishlist I’ve created. Or some awesome running gear would be stellar. I’d love a nice waterproof jacket or some new shoes. Maybe some all-weather earbuds?

No. What do I really want for Christmas? I’ll tell you what I want (what I really, really want)! I just want to spread some cheer. Seriously, that’s it.

I always feel compelled to spread sunshine, but during the holidays, that desire increases tenfold. I’m all for giving gifts, but gifts don’t have to be tangible objects. I’d even argue that expressions of joy are far more memorable, and valuable, than something you unwrap. Bows and glitter are beautiful, but they inevitably get tossed in the trash. Happiness, warmth, joy, cheer, love… those are priceless.

I have no idea why I’m so fixated on giving joy away. Not that it’s a bad thing! I can’t think of much else I’d rather be obsessed with. Even when I create music, my primary goal, both consciously and subconsciously, is to spread joy (and a dopamine rush). Yes, I’m trying to save the world with music.

I try and I try, and I try (gosh, I feel like I’m going to break into song). I’m a cheerleader, all the time. Even when times are hard, I find myself gravitating toward the good. I consciously avoid the news most of the time, because I already know about the bad stuff that’s happening, I just can’t stand to hear more about it. I have a love/hate relationship with my social media feeds for the same reason: I love being in the know, but I hate knowing the truth. Oh, the irony. Ignorance, truly, is bliss.

But then, happiness welcomes me back again. Optimism is always there. It’s in the fresh air when I go for a run, and in the smiles of the awesome people I see every day. It lingers, hovers, around the good deeds that people do, as they pay it forward. And sometimes, every once in awhile, you can literally see the silver lining when the sun ducks behind a cloud. It’s as if the sun is saying, hello, I’m still here! I may be temporarily clouded, but I haven’t gone anywhere.

Give yourself away. When I hesitate, fearful of judgment and other’s opinions, that’s what I tell myself. What have I got to lose? Maybe courage is what I want for Christmas: Courage to give away everything I can to help people, or at least give them something to enjoy.

So have some sparkles, get found, get jumping or running or dancing. My “Found” (Sparkling Spirit Mix) is free*, for everyone, for Christmas, and probably forever. I love giving shiny sounds away.

*headphones recommended, on max volume (as always)