Connecting time through the December spirit

Time tells different stories: the past contains endless memories, the present shows the live moments, and the future holds dreams waiting to come true. In a year these three timeframes unfold,and at the end of each year lies the month that connects them.

December is the last of the 12 months in a year, it is in the cold season for most countries, and is well-known for having unique holidays around the world. The cold breeze, bright lights, and warm traditions makes this month one of a kind. But what truly makes December so special for most people?

THE END

Being the twelfth month of the year, it marks the end of a trip around the Sun. Thus, it gives people time to look back on what they have completed, whether those may be fitness goals, awards received, or promotions gained. 

However, such reflection can sometimes be heartbreaking as someone may also recall their failures, regrets, or embarrassing moments that happened, and it may occur to them frequently, or worse, if an event was really bad, an individual may think about it endlessly in a way that can be considered as a loop. In psychology, this is called ‘looping thoughts’ where, according to COVA psychology, a person keeps thinking about something regretful or impactful that happened or may happen in their life. It drains energy and makes the mind restless due to overthinking. 

Though, even if there are insightful things that happen in life, one must remember that all things happen for a cause. It does not matter if someone achieved their dreams or not, the important thing is that they showed up. December must not be a month of regret, rather it should be a month of learned lessons and relief.

GIVING GIFTS, EXCHANGING HEARTS

During December, various groups exhibit their own traditions and cultures with most of them differing through religion. For Catholics, they have Christmas, which is the most common holiday in the Philippines with 90% of Filipinos celebrating it. For Jewish people, they have Hanukkah, and the Kwanzaa for the African-American heritage.

While cultures have different beliefs and ways to celebrate in December, one act is always present—giving gifts. 

Through presents, a person is able to show their love to someone, it does not necessarily need to be grand, just thoughtful and the person receiving the gift will know that someone cares for them.

Science tells us that whenever an individual gives gifts to others, it makes them feel good. According to The Science of Generosity, a person experiences pleasure, an enlightened mood, reduced stress, and stronger bonds to people whenever they do acts of charity. 

So whenever you are feeling stressed, just give a present to someone, it will not only help you relieve stress but also make the other person happy. This encapsulates the spirit of December, it is all about giving and receiving, being happy and making others happy—an act that makes this month truly special.

COLD WEATHER, WARM LOVE

With December comes the cold breeze, the temperature drops to shivering numbers and the body uses more energy to heat itself. In this weather, it’s hard to keep warm, but what if you have someone whom you can share heat with and make it easier to warm up?

In these freezing circumstances, many individuals decide to have partners, perhaps to help each other to navigate the wintery holidays. In the Philippines, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) states that December has consistently been the top month for marriages and engagements.

This phenomenon is mainly explained through culture. With many memorable romantic movies and songs being based around the holidays, people tend to find their significant others to experience some of those holiday scenes. 

Not only that, science also has a say to these occurrences. As said before, when the body feels cold, it consumes more energy to keep warm. But if it has another body to share the work with, it will be easier. Just like penguins, when humans make contact with each other, they share the warmth of their individual bodies.

Now, what if destiny is in the way and a person was not able to find the warmth of their life? Well, family will always be there.

The thing is, the holidays were always about family and the nostalgic moments every year with them. It is where most traditions come from, where people receive their first gifts, and feel the warmth of love. This element resonates with every species on Earth, that powerful feeling of love brought by family—a feeling strengthened during December.

Hence, it’s important to remember family when looking for a missing piece. Because maybe it is not about love from a significant other, but the familiarity of family love.

A NEW BEGINNING

December is not only about the end of a year, it also marks the start of a new one.

It is the time to set new goals, new resolutions, and new habits. Manifest that one dream you so want to achieve, be inspired to take on new challenges, and strengthen discipline for a consistent year ahead. 

While this year might have setbacks and failures, it is important to keep your head up and look forward to a year of hope, love, and success.

December will always be special, not because of the regrets nor the cold, but because of the nostalgic feeling of warm love, joy, and hope. It is the time of reflection, rejoice, and resolution. A month that is like a time machine that connects the past, the present, and the future.