seek pleasure slowly

kierkegaard said, "most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it".

this is the season for much pleasure for many.  there are decorations to put in place or to look at throughout the town, cooking, baking, shopping, gift wrapping, cards to send, good food to eat, gifts to receive and give, programs to practice for and attend, parties and family gatherings.  it often becomes a rush.  a rush from one must to another.  what does the holiday season become?  an exhausting, harried series of have to and everything that people believe is wonderful about the season is lost.  many years ago i was in conversation with a group of women about three weeks before christmas.  they complained about everything they absolutely HAD to do before christmas day.  their combined list of tasks was overwhelming.  innocently i asked, "then why do it?"  they stared at me in stunned horror and when they recovered from the shock began to speak at once.  "how could they not?!  of course they had to undertake everything!  it's all so important!"  they explained none too gently as if i were from another planet (which could very possibly be!).  from their reactions i understood that they could not enjoy the season on their terms but had to adhere to some notion of what the season had to be as dictated by what or whom that should have no bearing on their lives.  as you enjoy this holiday season, seek pleasure but enjoy slowly.  you won't want to miss a single whimsical moment.