Holidays/Holy Days.

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I didn't know the word holiday came from "holy days." I found that out in the book, The Life You've Always Wanted, by John Ortberg. He says most Holy Days are made to be fun. It's a holiday, a day off work, a day to enjoy your family and friends. It's a day to eat, sing and dance.

"Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10

Mr. Orberg counsels us to take one day a week to do things you love to do. Pamper yourself. Eat foods you love, listen to beautiful music, do anything that will refresh your spirit and bring a smile. Say thanks to God.

It is true that when people are joyful they are stronger than when they are sad. Just look at the posture of sad people. Usually their shoulders are slumped and their head is hanging and they are looking down. Joyful people usually look up with a smile on their face. Their happiness is infectious and they spread it to everyone they meet. 

When the prodigal son came home the father told the servants, "Kill the fattened calf. Let us eat and celebrate!" Later it says there was singing and dancing. Celebration is truly a part of God's character.