If you are a parent, chances are that you have said something to the effect of: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” It’s a lesson that we learn early in life and try to teach our children as soon as they have the ability to string recognizable words together.

Another pithy, yet true, saying is: “Be careful what you wish for.”  In this season, children of all ages are full of hopes and wishes.  They are wishing for their favorite game, book, or toy.  They are wishing for Christmas break to come faster, for their little brother to stop following them around, and for something other than Uncle Herkimer’s dry jokes and Aunt Mabel’s latest story about her ingrown toenail at holiday gatherings.

In an acute attack of Christmas spirit, I asked God to give us a white Christmas. I reasoned with Him that we live in the North, it is already cold, and the ground is good and frozen. How hard could it be? It wouldn’t be that far of a leap to have the area wrapped in white, would it?

When I got up the next morning, while pouring my coffee, I sleepily glanced out the window. I rubbed my eyes. Then I looked up to heaven and said as reverently as possible: “Very funny.” What I saw proved two important things: 1.) God has a sense of humor (well, that is obvious if you have ever watched a chicken walk or seen a flamingo) and 2) I need to be careful what I wish for. Or, at the very least, be more specific.  I had asked to be enveloped in whiteness. I was. But we were in the depth of a thick fog instead of a snowy blanket.

Another important lesson is to never make assumptions. This can save jobs, friendships, marriages, and your pride. Last weekend my husband and I attended a local concert that featured Shattered Glass, a professional string ensemble out of New York City. We live in a very rural community so I spent some time debating what to wear. I decided on a nice pair of pants and a sweater with a scarf.  It was cold and snowy (oh sure, now we get the snow) so I dressed for warmth and comfort.

I said to my husband, “After all, it isn’t like we are going to the Boston Pops.” Well, wouldn’t you know it but the very first selection was “Christmas Festival.” I was familiar with this piece because of the Boston Pops CD we play every year during the holiday season. My husband thought this was a very ironic and hysterical moment in the evening.

This time of year, a little extra wishing, kind words, communication, and humor are crucial to enjoying a very stressful season.  Smile at others.  Be polite. Stop and taste the eggnog.  Peace and goodwill begins with me, and with you.