Write to the Point In times of trouble, seek out optimism and keep family nearby

Two weeks ago, we gave thanks for any number of things that we mentioned at the dinner table, among which were probably family, good health and safety.

We also gave thanks for a meal that likely put all others this year to shame.

The holiday season, however, isn't three separate major days to give thanks. It's an extended chance to reform some habits, strengthen bonds and to be grateful for the chance to safely gather with each other.

This week, I played witness to something rare: two sides of family under one roof.

While for some, that's the final ingredient to a big explosion, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight. Gathered to merely enjoy each other's presence, it was a sight to cherish.

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It's also something that most likely won't happen again for quite a while, given busy schedules and projects, among other reasons.

Last week, the newspaper printed a column by Jackie Gingrich Cushman, which focused on returning to George Washington's initial reason for declaring the first Thanksgiving in 1789.

She wrote, “Washington did not ask the nation's citizens to demand more from God or to question why the Revolutionary War had lasted eight years, nor to reflect on the damage that occurred during the war. Instead, he asked the nation to be grateful and to ask for God's protection and favor.”

At this point in time, we're right between Thanksgiving and Christmas. How many times, since that great meal, have we thought to gather with family? With the exception of an unforeseen event, probably never. Instead, we tend to lump such times into holidays every once in a great while.

Recognizing the need for family, regardless of the circumstances, has always been a part of the Christmas season. It's funny, though, as it wasn't a federally recognized holiday until 1870, three weeks after Charles Dickens, author of “A Christmas Carol,” died.

Early on in our country's history, we weren't sure just how to celebrate the holiday. As a case in point, Congress was in session and working Dec. 25, 1789.

I guess you could say that shows where our priorities were, and where they've gone. We're quick to try and find a reason to take a Monday or Friday off for that blessed three-day weekend.

Asking any member of Congress today to work this coming Christmas Day would give a reaction similar to saying that the Cougars would keep Paul Wulff as their head coach last week.

In her column, Cushman closed with the challenge to be thankful for what we have, in the chance that the optimism would help carry us through difficult times. It's one of the most important aspects of the holiday season.

But, for as useful as optimism is, it's a stagnant force on its own. It requires an action to make it relevant and useful.

With all of the rather depressing news flowing endlessly throughout our day, it seems like optimism is needed more than ever. December can be that time to devote to optimism — a hope for the future.

They say 21 days makes a habit, and habits aren't formed without support. Draw close to family this holiday season. Despite the feverish pace of work, a social life or unexpected events, some part of the family will help strengthen that optimism to help carry it through the 21 days.

The bottom line? Take time to cherish those in your life. The world will be better off for it.