Wishes for this holiday season
It appears as if the “holiday season” hardly ends one year before it kicks into high gear for the next. OK, slight hyperbole but when the big box stores display inflatable snowmen in the heart of 100plus degree days in the middle of the summer, you have to admit, I’m really not that far afield.
Anyway, as we enter December, there is no longer any need to dispute that we’re fully into “it” now. Trees with lights strung across branches flicker through condensation-covered windows; garland and ornaments dangle from porch rafters; shorts and shirt sleeves have been superseded with wool jackets and hats — ‘tis the season undeniably.
Googling “Most Wanted Presents” to discover what I might find under the tree this year, I discovered that according to Good Housekeeping, they include a brush which is also a hair dryer (for the time-limited, practically minded); weighted blankets (sorry, I just don’t get those); the “I Wrote a Book About You” fill-in-the-blank book (with companion publication “I Wrote A Book About Us”); and surprisingly, the No. 1 most sought-after gift was (drum roll, please) thick-soled “Cloud Slide Slippers” in your choice of 13 bright and cheery colors — and gray (huh?).
As much as I might want a matcha whisk set or DIY slushie maker cup (which was all the rave on TikTok this year), I opted for a different slant, none of which cost even a Charles Dickens farthing.
Firstly, I wish you good health.
Nothing matters more — no amount of money, no shiny bright, wellwrapped box opened during the holidays will be worth any price when one is ravaged by illness and pain. May this year conclude and next year commence with you and your loved ones able to enjoy all the gifts that the body you occupy can provide. May you be able to experience the warmth of crackling logs aglow in the fireplace; the sweet taste and memory of holiday treats; the totally enveloping hug of a friend unseen for too long; the oranges, reds and yellows of a sunset over the ocean; or the aroma of gingerbread, pine and peppermint as it wafts through your home — all while being sound of body and mind.
May you be greeted with compassion and kindness in all places, simply because you exist. The color of your skin, your number of years, the person you love, the way you dress, the God in which you believe (or don’t) will matter not to every person who smiles as they open a door for you, waves you entry into traffic or greets you on your morning walk. May each person you see wish for you only the finest, enveloping you with the soothing, radiant, warm light of love and respect. May you remember this originates within you and do the same for others.