Rosemarie Brown
It’s Christmas!
I was truly enjoying some last-minute shopping and the great Christmas music in a beautifully decorated mall, when what to my wandering eyes should appear but that jolly old Saint Nick!
It was the real Santa; he looked like he had just stepped out of those Coca-Cola ads. He was “ho, ho, ho”-ing and posing for pictures with the most adorably dressed children while Santa’s little elves were dancing around with presents and candy for every good little girl and boy. The mommies, daddies, grandmas and grandpas were all smiling and proudly standing in line with their beautiful little offspring. I had no children with me, but I had to stand there just enjoying this angelic, joyous sight. Then … wow! Where did that child come from? He was perfectly dressed for his picture, but there was no way he was going to wait in line, and he let everyone know in no uncertain terms that no one was going to make him.
Doesn’t that kid know Santa can see him?
As I was driving home and then late into the evening, I could not stop thinking about all the great toys and surprises that little 5- or 6-year-old guy would probably be receiving on Christmas morning, and about the important things the poor child was missing in his little life.
I don’t really feel that my mother was strict, but we knew who was boss. We were taught to respect her as well as others, to be courteous, when to talk and when not to talk, and — maybe most important — when to listen.
Research has shown children are most receptive to learning manners and respect of others when taught at a young age. They are more apt to have better reading skills and overall academic success as a result. The lessons children learn early will stay with them and become life skills, just like reading, writing and arithmetic. None of us are born with these skills — we need to be taught and shown by example how to be kind, courteous and respectful of others so we can learn how to socially interact. Manners are empowering and an integral part of success. Having good manners helps an individual build confidence, increase self-esteem and improve communication skills.
If you are close to my generation in age, I’m sure your parents and/or grandparents had their favorite little quip they would put out there at the strangest times, making you scratch your head and wonder what they were talking about. And, oh yes, remember that tone in their voice or that look that could make you stop dead in your tracks?
Who were your mentors, your role models who made an impact on the way you think or perhaps had influence on your adult behavior? Was it your Sunday school teacher, a coach, a lifelong friend, a poet or an elected official? Who is that person that you think of immediately when you hear the words “admire” and “respect”? This is one of the things that we have that is “right here, right now.” We are very fortunate. I could name a dozen people that I truly respect and admire right off the top of my head, and each one for different reasons.
We all need to be thinking outside of ourselves; far too often we are preoccupied with how life affects us. Manners and putting the needs of others before self is not only liberating, it has far-reaching benefits for the individual and the betterment of our community as a whole. If we stop to think how our behavior and our words affect others, we can make better choices. Good manners and respect of others is not outdated and it not about doing everything perfectly right, but it is about being thoughtful and using common sense.
We all have a responsibility to be civil and treat each other well. It can become contagious. And what a great time of the year to show our best manners, respect and love to our fellow man. Merry Christmas!
Rosemarie Brown is the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Madison County.