“Christmas is what you make it.” ~ Lisa Banyai
There are a lot of people in this world whose Christmas is less than joyful. Some have no children for whom Christmas is wondrous. Some are far from their families. Some suffer self-imposed Grinchness for whatever reason; maybe because they’re single or because they just don’t like the holiday imposition. Saddest of all are those who have lost loved ones near the season. This last point hits close to home this year with Sunday’s passing of Charlie Conley. Our families have been tied together for decades. He was like a brother to my mother, and an uncle to me. Friends, this life is short. Be grateful for every day you draw breath, for every day your loved ones draw breath, for every moment you are given to feel the warmth of the sun, count the stars in the night sky, smell fresh cut grass, taste sweet wine, or meet a stranger with a smile. You don’t have to celebrate Christmas to do these things. Do them every day, and maybe your light will help someone in need to navigate this season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanza, Sweet Solstice, whatever your flavor, give thanks and be happy.
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