I hope you all had a pleasant, and enjoyable Christmas. I don't know how mine will turn out, as I am writing this a week early. My assumption is that since I have never had a bad Christmas, that this one will be enjoyable. Living away from both my wife's, and my family, going home for the Holidays always makes for some great times.
If you haven't already done it, right now would be a great time to make a New Years Resolution. This doesn't seem to be nearly as popular as it used to be. I remember as a youngster this was a big deal. The main topic at all the family Christmas parties was what everyone was giving up, or doing for New Years.
Taking a moment and reflecting on this subject, I can see the changes that took place in this tradition over the years. It started out about making yourself a better person. In the sixties, and seventies those resolutions were about losing weight, quitting smoking, or mending a relationship with a friend, or family member. In the eighties it became about joining a health club, taking a vacation, or buying a new car. By the nineties people just quit talking about New years Resolutions. Almost like we quit thinking about improving our lives, and just lived for the moment.
Wow; this is more like an exposition on the decline of our civilization, than an observation on a waning tradition, that's depressing. Getting back on task here, we can all do something about it now. With a few days to go until New years we all have plenty of time to make a promise to ourselves to make our lives a little better this year. Who can argue with the need that all of us have for a little self improvement. It can be as simple as losing some weight, or cutting soda pop from your diet. It could be as fun as picking a new hobby, archery trap or sporting clays, maybe even fishing or groundhog hunting.
Another idea might be to involve another person in your outdoor activities. Take a child or a friend shooting, hunting, or fishing. Sharing our passions is one of the best ways to preserve them for future generations. How about asking your spouse to spend a day in the field, or on the water with you. They may not hate it as bad as you think they will, especially if you make the effort to accommodate them.
Finally, consider joining a club or organization that supports your values. If you are an outdoorsman you should be a member of a conservation club. You not only get the advantage of socializing with folks who enjoy the same things as you do. You will also be giving back to our environment with the various conservation projects these clubs perform in our communities throughout the year. Most of all you will be promoting, and defending the lifestyles, and heritage that most of us take for granted in this country.
Catch you later
Rick
