“This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite bonfires, and light candles. And we sing.” [Anita Diamant]
That’s one of my favorite quotes regarding the holiday season. It’s really so true. The world can be an awful place, but there are parts of it that shine. That’s true throughout the year, but when the holidays come around, that seems to be the time when everyone wants to find that shine and polish up as brightly as possible.
The holidays are a season when people seem to find their better angels, their inner voices that remind them what it means to be kind, gracious, giving, and accepting of one another. That’s one reason that I love this time of year so much.
I love the holidays because I feel an intense presence in my connectedness to friends and family. Not to mention I love celebrating and the holiday season is full of celebrations! Office parties, family gatherings, holiday-themed nights at the local hangout spot. On every corner and at every home, there are people celebrating the season.
But I also know this year will be a tough holiday season for many people. We all have different stories, and while my holiday experience is generally one I associate with pleasant feelings, I know that so many out there are struggling with loss, grief, depression, loneliness, or simply finding enough food to eat and a place to sleep for themselves and their families.
From the biggest mansions to homeless shelters, everyone out there has a story, and none of us really knows the whole of it except for the one who’s living it. The best thing we can give each other right now is extra kindness, compassion, and love - the true foundations of the holiday season.
No matter what or how you are celebrating this year, I hope your holidays are filled with joy and things that brighten your spirit ✨
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from my family to yours.