Gratitude is the Attitude

… and thank goodness for mahjong!

We talk a lot about the Community of Mahjong, and during the holiday season we have one more reason to appreciate that community. One person’s love of the hustle and bustle, the magic and decorations, the parties and the gift giving is another person’s absolute dread of crowds and chaos and all of the above. But your mahj pals have your back!

When you’re feeling like you’d rather poke your eye out than force a smile at the mandatory office party for the fourth year in a row, your mahjong friends will be there on the other side.

When your uncle insists on talking politics despite being begged not to, or your in-laws argue over whether it’s stuffing or dressing (seriously, who cares what you call it- it’s delish!!) your mahjong squad will be a soft place to land.

When you just can’t decorate one more cookie, brave another long line at the post office, or deal with another online shopping site that isn’t user friendly, your mahjong peeps will totally get it. 

If your heart isn’t into fa-la-la-ing, or lighting candles, or doing any of the things associated with this whirlwind time of year, that’s when your mahj mavens are the best.

Set up a table, pull out your favorite tiles (don’t be judging those of us who have two, three, or four sets!), and call your crew. A few hours of tiles clacking, and Joker swapping will do wonders for your mood. Best of all you’ll be hanging with people you have a bond with, people who won’t expect anything from you but a great game (or a totally mediocre game…). Your time spent picking and racking will take you world’s away from all the season’s craziness. 

Even if you adore the flappings and trappings of the holidays and look forward to the food, the music, the gifts and parties, and all the excesses, you can still settle in with your mahj besties and enjoy the peace that comes from making something out of nothing, and order out of chaos. Now that’s something to be grateful for. Mahj-on!