Aristotle had a neat little notion when he described the Golden Mean. Maybe it’s an idea that should be practiced a bit this holiday season, instead of the normal amount of insane chatter and anxiousness that too often invades what should be the merriest time of the year.
The main thrust of the theory, of course, is to tackle every situation by avoiding both excess and deficiency in one’s behavior. Not a common notion nowadays, when sensationalism is worshipped as the national religion and television magazine shows pull in more ratings than real, hard news.
Time and again during the last year or two, the idea of blessed moderation has been tested, and although too often ignored, it was ultimately vindicated. There was the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal that divided the country, the ridiculous events surrounding a little Cuban refugee and the unnecessarily heated debate during the current presidential election snafu. All these events should have been dealt with in a calmer, more reasonable manner. Instead, they were allowed to boil over into divisive nightmares.
The same processes apply during the holidays. All too often, moms and dads bloat their budgets in a materialistic effort to show their children love and just how wonderful Christmas can be. This causes stress in the parent and eventually resentment when the child doesn’t fully appreciate the effort. Many students go home and feel pressure to make their short family time as wonderful as possible while trying to fend off questions about their academic, work and personal lives from prying parents.
The best way to fend off any excess angst is to simply employ the Golden Mean theory to navigating life’s wonderful little stressors. Focusing too much on these problems causes one to be overwrought and irritable and to lose the Christmas spirit. Avoidance is just as damaging in the long run because it builds resentment, and the root problems are never fixed.
The same balance should be applied to one’s direct actions. Don’t give too many presents and break your bank account, but don’t give everybody a buy-one-get-one-free Wendy’s burger coupon. Don’t drink too much, but don’t be so paranoid you won’t have a little bubbly to ring in the new year. Feed the homeless, but don’t rob the mouths of your own family.
Such a basis for decision making is remarkably simple and incredibly beneficial. But remember, the other part of the Golden Mean virtue also says you shouldn’t make too many judgmental comments when someone else performs those minor trespasses.
But with all that moderation talk behind, remember, if you have to horde anything, horde family time. It’s far too precious to let slip unrelished. Happy holidays.