Make Up a Holiday

Since the winter chill has set in,

I have a quick, fun suggestion:

Instead of waiting around for warmth and spring showers,

create a new holiday and brighten your spirits,

let the rest of the world wallow in its winter misery and ivory towers.

To create this holiday, you have to have a plan.

The holiday needs a name, a means of celebration, a reason it began.

This might sound technical and tough, but I promise, this is the fun part.

Let your imagination run wild

and design the kind of day that truly warms your heart.

Personally, I would struggle choosing a theme,

a thought or feeling to focus on, creating the holiday of my dreams.

I cherish the big three: Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween.

You know, the ones that burn out too soon, leaving winter dark and grim,

I suppose mimicking these would make my holiday feel "seen."

But don't be a copy cat, that's taking the easy way out.

Don't go into this seeking fame, fortune or clout.

Create something of your own and memories that inspire,

write songs, tell stories,

roast chestnuts on an open fire.

Surround yourself with friends and loved ones on this day,

make merry in your own imaginative way.

Implement fun rules, make excuses to give presents,

fill bellies with your not-famous-yet holiday pudding,

home brand nog and roasted pheasant.

Decorate your home so it brings you joy,

host contests, tell jokes, pull pranks that annoy.

launch fireworks, clink glasses, craft games played better drunk,

give thanks, wear charming costumes...

...surely these measures will dig you out of your winter funk.

If you do give it a try,

I want all the whats, hows and whys.

Tell me the name of your holiday, the purpose it serves,

and tell me whether it was successful

in making others happy and easing your nerves.

We all feel the winter blues set in

as January reminds us of what, just months earlier, had been.

But don't dwell on these feelings, don't give them the time of day.

Instead, find the spark the cold can't blow out,

and make your own way.