Humans are the most adaptive, and cognitively developed beings in the known universe. We got here through ages of fighting off predators, scavenging for food, learning use of tools like fire and the wheel, and trusting in our biological senses to survive and pass down our genetics. A small, but crucial piece of our genes is a unique ability to “run on autopilot” so-to-speak. By design, many days out of our year look 95% the same which saves us an unimaginable amount of energy for when it matters. That schedule of predictability is about to disappear (if it hasn’t already) and will not return for a fortnight. Interestingly enough, this sacrifice of our routines will be in the name of our traditions and celebration of the things we hold in the highest. Christmas - the birth of The Savior. Hanukkah - the festival of lights. New Years Day - a chance at change, a fresh start, and reflection. While this time is integral to what makes us human, those values can often be overlooked by the commercial versions of those holidays that are shoved down our throats with shopping, presents, sugar, vacations, etc. The schedule that each of us is about to endure will undoubtedly result in disarray, but only if we allow it to.

Entropy was originally discovered as a law of thermodynamics, but has been used in an analogous sense by philosophers, psychologists and theologians. It describes the process when things left to the will of nature devolve into chaos.

Human nature may not be of the same salt that “regular” nature consists of, but it is susceptible to Darwin nonetheless. Left unchecked, if you give human nature two weeks of no responsibility, processed sugar in ungodly amounts, endless Hallmark trash, a cozy house filled with people they’re comfortable with, and billion-dollar-industries to propagate all of this, chaos will certainly ensue and entropy will take form.

It’s a perplexing, paradoxical phenomenon, really. The transaction of sanity in the form of rhythm for dysfunction in the name of tradition. The trade of order in morals due to the Netflix-and-chilling on society’s laurels.

To proactively dismiss any elitist, anti-unhealthy propaganda, this is not a call from David Goggins to go run an uphill marathon in the snow at 5AM on Christmas morning. Instead, it’s an urge to animation of the very values that are beholden in the foundation of what you celebrate. If you’re a Christian, celebrate the birth of Christ by acting like Christ; give to the needy, dine with sinners, spread His love. If you’re Jewish, celebrate the miraculous light by dining with family at Shabbat, remembering the path of your people’s history, and giving gifts. If it’s not religious by default for you, then use the time off of work and the opportunities of this limited, but uncertain time to direct gratitude towards the people and blessings you find yourself immersed in. If you’re a parent, give your kids joy. If you didn’t get a Christmas bonus this year, be thankful you have a job. If you’ve lost 50 pounds this year, treat your body like you’re thankful for it. If you’re deathly ill, treat every second like it’s your last.

This season can and will be brutal for many. However, it doesn’t have to be. Celebration doesn’t have to look like self harm and substance abuse. It could look like laughing, praying, quality time with family, reflection, catching up on sleep, taking time to cook healthy food at home, and love - whatever that needs to mean for you.

This Christmas, behave as if you’re the recent lineage of the most evolved and complex being this universe has ever known and cultivate that divine gift for your life and those who are blessed to be with you.