I have always believed in the magic of Christmas because my Mother always instilled the belief in Santa and all the wonderful creatures and delights that children dream of during the holiday season.
Where did the magic go? Today (a good 40 plus years later) I see busy holiday shoppers pushing and shoving for the latest trend in toys (for a limited time only!) and gifts for friends and family which will most likely be returned the day after Christmas, driving salespersons dealing with line after impatient line of returnees to drink themselves into an oblivious stupor later that night.
I have chosen to keep myself well within a reasonable budget as I have no desire to pay for this holiday well into the season of summer. If you can't afford it, don't buy it is my motto. Our now
extended family will enjoy a wonderful repast with delightful beverages as well as a festive board game marathon which will render my aging back and knees useless the next day due to the hours of sitting in one spot while working my brain into a competitive frenzy ( my daughters think me competitive...whatever) !
As I look upon my family and how we have mananged to pull together during what has been a very difficult and mind numbing year, frought with political unrest, worldwide episodes of violence and natural disasters as well as some personal ones, I realize that the spirit of Christmas lies within the love that we share and the support we provide to one another in all the important ways. Perhaps I have become more enlightened and appreciate the gift that can never be returned of which holds the highest value...the gift of love, of family and friends.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and may you all learn to appreciate the value of life's simple pleasures. May you treasure all those whom you love most and take the time to let them know how much they mean to you as life can be fleeting and you cannot capture yesterday. May we all strive to be better, more kind and compassionate humans who treat each other, despite our differences, with dignity and respect. So to all of you I say: "Enjoy the blessings of the New Year and be a light to lead the way for all those whom you hold dear!"
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