As I look out my window and the rest of the house begins to stir I realize that we only have 2 more sleeps to go and then the big build up of the Holiday Season that I love will have come and be gone once again. There is something about snow at Christmas time that makes the entire experience a bit more special. Even as I was shoveling it from my drive-way last night (something I am not fond of doing) the experience felt right...almost essesential to the build up of the season awaiting climax in two short days.
Now I have never been religious <... I could have been .. I mean I had opportunity... just not the inclination> but there really is something about this season that I love that goes beyond its religious roots. I will agree that to some it can be too commercial, too expensive, too religious and largely unnecessary ... but I also think that somewhere in the music, movies, treats and Christmas PJs there is something much more to be found. Maybe it is a window into what could be .... a brief glimpse at the possibilities that we have collectively. I know that I feel more connected to my fellow man at this time of year. My guard begins to relax a bit. I notice myself taking steps toward others rather than steps away (my go to). Maybe it is the inner feeling of warmth that grows within me this time year <imagine visual of Grinch’s heart growing here> or perhaps the excitement of the children that I am surrounded by. Regardless ... there is a palatable feeling of hope that reminds us that we are all just humans .... we are all in this together ... and .. no one gets to live forever.
I believe Christmas is one of those tangible markers in our lives where we pause long enough to take measure of our lives by way of Christmas’s that have past and the number yet to come. It is not surprising that this time encourages speaking honestly from the heart, unexpected kindnesses and willingness to come together to celebrate. People are just nicer this time of year.
I guess the bigger question is why can’t we sustain this connectedness? Why isn’t this the norm all year long? It should be of course ... honestly I have no idea why we don’t or at least why I don’t. Perhaps baby steps are all we are capable of ... like a course correction to stop us from heading too far away from where we are destined to go or more like a slight revision of code to break the seemingly infinite day to day loop we find ourselves caught in. Some will say that (as the date and name suggest) there is divinity at work and that all of the sentiment, well wishes, merriment are all part of God’s will. Perhaps it is ... it is not what I believe but millions do ... so you be the judge for yourself and if you are so inclined take a step closer and open your heart to the possibilities this special time of the year provides.