Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and all.  

Whether its Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, a celebration of new beginnings and family is at hand.  For all of us, we have our own deep personal meaning to this day.  Although, I'll be the first one to admit that I love to immerse myself in the mythology and traditions of Santa Claus.  There are ideals there that are worth keeping; selflessness in the act of giving without expecting anything in return, looking for the best in others, being nice instead of naughty.  There is magic in children leaving cookies and milk out of Santa ( and hopefully carrots for the reindeer!). Carols that survive the ages are still sung, snow people are built in front yards, unless you life in the American Southwest where they are built of tumbleweeds.  Families watch "Its a Wonderful Life" , "How the Grinch stole Christmas" and "A Christmas Carol", cookies and other baked goods are made by the dozens to be shared with family and friends.  Weeks of shopping is rewarded with the "Oh thank you!  How did you know I wanted that!?"  

Charles Dickens had it right when he ended "A Christmas Carol" with the thought that Mr. Scrooge held Christmas in his heart everyday for the rest of his life.  I do believe that if we could all do those things that we labor so hard for at this time of year, that this would be a better place for all of us.   The feelings of good will towards all men would be extended despite the economy and  political battles.  Our neighbors would be more important than ideologies.  We know celebrities better than we do the people next door to us.  Maybe if we kept Christmas in our hearts as did Mr. Scrooge treating others as we wish to be treated would become the rule and not the exception. 

To all who wander here, I wish  you a very Merry Christmas, however you celebrate this day.  I wish for you love and peace in your heart and soul, for your family and friends.