A Christmas Carol?

A cozy house, tucked far back in the woods on a cold and snowy Christmas Eve. The only lights- a fire in the fireplace, the flickering of candles, the lights of the tree, and the pale glow of moonlight reflecting off the snow. Friends and family visit while carols play, and the night is spent simply enjoying the company of those closest to us. A glimpse of Christmas from Ages Past.

But today, Christmas is not simple. It is Big Business. Who has the best deal, the cheapest prices? It’s one long commercial from Halloween to Christmas Eve. It’s hustle and bustle. Crowded and frantic. It’s loud when it should be silent. Hurried when it should be leisurely. And cold when it should be warm. Whatever one’s beliefs, Christmas should be a time when we all coexist in harmony; yet all over the world, wars are waged in the name of religion- the very force that should unite, not divide. Peace must be “kept” instead of cherished. Suicide rates are at their highest. And for the truly trivial, consider that the news is full of reports of parents battling each other to get to the “best” toys, at the “best” price. The Ghost of Christmas Present, indeed.

So on this cold winter’s night, I find myself bundled up in front of the Christmas tree, eggnog (yes, spiked) in hand, considering these things and appreciating the many blessings in my life:

I’m blessed with a job that provides me with the things I need to be healthy and happy. I am not rich, but I have a home, food, clothes. I can pay my bills and still enjoy a night “on the town” every once in a while. That’s as close to rich as I’ll ever come.

I’m blessed with the gift of being able to find inspiration in a song, or joy in a piece of music; to be moved by a book, or enlightened by a movie. No small gift, that.

I’m blessed with freedoms - of choice, of speech, of personal expression - that other people in the world can only dream of. And I’m blessed with the knowledge that there are people who are willing to fight-and die-for us ALL in order to protect those freedoms.

And most importantly, I’m blessed with family and friends who love, support, and encourage me through every step on my journey. Life on Earth could not exist without them. Ok, slight exaggeration. VERY slight.

And so, in the spirit of all the Christmases Yet To Be, here’s my wish to one and all: May joy, happiness, faith, and the comfort and company of family and friends be yours. But most of all, may your lives be full of hope, peace, and love.

Merry Christmas