"Oh that we could always see such spirit through the year..."

In recent years I have adopted a friend's tradition of listening to the Vince Guaraldi Trio in the Holiday Season.  For those non-Charlie Brown fanatics out there, the Vince Guarldi Trio lent their musical talents to the release of the Charlie Brown Christmas special in 1965.  It is no surprise that after listening to the album on repeat for 3 weeks straight, I begin to take the melodies to heart.  The majority of the songs celebrate classical cool jazz, but the vocal version of one track has a line that always makes me stop and reflect on the Holiday Season.

In this line, the children vocalists sing "Oh that we could always see such spirit through the year".  It is an interesting statement to reflect on as an adult.  As we grow older the Holiday Season changes from feeling the magic of seeing loved ones, giving presents, and attending religious services to feeling the hustle and bustle of the Holidays.  In this mindset it is easy to wish that the "spirit of the Holidays" not last through the year, but maybe, just maybe come only once every other year.  However, one thing that I have noticed working in the field of Volunteer Management, is that no matter how busy we adults become during the Holidays, the spirit of the season still compels many of us to give our time and resources to those around us.  Whether it is from a sense of civic duty, sympathy, or generosity, volunteers show-up to help out during the Holidays in record numbers.  Their service is wonderful and truly makes a difference, but imagine with me for a moment the change that could be achieved in Marin if this spirit continued throughout the year. 

I still believe in that the spirit of giving in the Holiday Season is magical.  Maybe I am still a child in that regard, but even so I'll keep hoping to see such spirit continue throughout the year.

Happy Holidays, and Happy Volunteering.