Have you noticed how many of our classic tunes and shows for the holidays have a melancholy twinge? For goodness’ sake, one of the most revered movies of the season, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” features the main character attempting suicide. Talk about downbeat.
Even the peppy holiday songs of yore contain embedded messages meant to make us think twice. I know because, having just completed an extensive driving trip, I’ve recently experienced more exposure to the radio than usual. You would not believe how many stations switch to nonstop holiday music in December.
My new favorite holiday song, by the way, is “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” from the Dr. Seuss holiday cartoon movie, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” Having first heard this one as a kid, I don’t think I have fully appreciated the wordplay before. There’s just something hilarious about hearing someone called “a bad banana with a greasy black peel” -- especially after one too many rounds of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
Since career counseling seems to be as much a mindset for me as it is a vocation, this song and others invite comparisons between the holiday classics and the travails of job seekers. Of course, inspiration abounds in the religious selections, but here are a few of my thoughts on the more secular tunes I heard.
1. Many of the oldest songs remind us to make the best of things. It’s hard to deny the emotional punch of Bing Crosby’s “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” which paints a sugary picture of a snow-filled holiday but ends with “if only in my dreams.” That song has become an anthem for soldiers and anyone else who can’t get home to celebrate with family.
While it’s easy to pick out the make-do message from "White Christmas," I was surprised to notice similar themes embedded in such songs as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Sleigh Ride.” In the first song, we are told in smooth harmonies, “From now on, your troubles will be out of sight,” while the second takes a more upbeat turn with "These wonderful things are the things / We remember all through our lives!"
My takeaway as I watched the miles unfurl and thought of my job seekers was that the holidays really are a state of mind. Even when traditions have been decimated by the lack of cash for presents or travel, there’s still room to make new traditions and memories, and the opportunity to spend at least one day pushing your troubles to the side. After all, this holiday, like others, will quickly become part of the past; what memories will we build this year to enjoy later?
2. I’ve written about “Winter Wonderland” before, but hearing it again (several times) only strengthened my love affair with one particular line: “To face unafraid the plans that we’ve made ... .”
Over the years, this simple phrase has become a mantra of mine, reminding me to launch forward with courage once I’ve chosen a path, whatever it may be. In my experience, very little in life benefits from half-efforts or fearful approaches.
When I speak with job seekers, I try to re-instill the sense of courage that their recent losses may have stolen. This seems especially important for those who have lost confidence in their decision-making. Without commitment, even the best decisions will fail, so it’s critical to break the pattern of fear one may develop while in transition.
3. Speaking of things that have been stolen ... I keep coming back to Mr. Grinch. If you find yourself struggling to get into a holiday mood this year, look up the Grinch song on YouTube. You’ll want Thurl Ravenscroft’s slow baritone version so you can appreciate his delightful enunciation of every ridiculous word. Next, print the lyrics or copy them to your computer. Finally, try altering this classic song of disdain by substituting the name of someone who has done you wrong this year.
So, if you were laid off unfairly by a Mr. Terminitus Wrong (you’ll need to use the real name to feel the healing effect), you might find yourself humming, “You’re as cuddly as a cactus, you’re as charming as a heel, Mr. Wrong” and later, “You’re a rotter, Mr. Wrong! You’re the king of sinful sots! Your heart’s a dead tomato, splotched with moldy purple spots, Mr. Wrong!”
OK, I admit that’s childish. But it’s fun and kind of cathartic. Just be sure to watch the cartoon so you can remember that Mr. Grinch really couldn’t steal Christmas after all, and there’s always something worth celebrating.
Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 626 Armstrong Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.
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