Yawning At Yuletide

IT SEEMS AS IF it was just yesterday when this tiny baby yawned up into the face of Santa during her earliest encounter with him at the Yuletide season.

Obviously far to young to appreciate the event, my daughter was all-trusting and quite blase about meeting the big man in red. As the years progressed, reactions to Santa Claus changed from indifference, to uncertainty, to genuine glee.

There are many theories as to why we yawn, from a physiological reaction due to the need for more oxygen, to a spontaneous psychological response to boredom.

Regardless of the real reason for this little understood action performed by humans and animals alike, there appears to be a great sense of satisfaction after a well executed yawn.

Despite the relief a wide-open stretch of the mouth can bring, however, it is best not to get into the habit, according to a 19th-century French writer known as Stendhal. "Life is too short," he warned, "and the time we waste in yawning never can be regained."

One should also avoid causing others to yawn. As singer Bette Midler once said, “Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes!”

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

This post showcases the letter "Y". If you think words are fun and enjoy playing with the alphabet, link to ABC Wednesday at the sidebar.

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