'Tis the Season

I love the Christmas Season.   I love everything about it. To me, the Christmas season is what life should be year round.  It's when old friends and new friends get together to enjoy each others company.  It's when people do special things for each other.  The Christmas season is the time for going to the Symphony, plays, Christmas parties and fundraisers.  It's a time for woship, whatever that looks like for you.  It's my time to bake sweet treats for my friends and family.  I don't have the same kitchen that I used to, but what does that matter.  My hands will still create things with love.  This time of year reminds me of the time I spent in Europe as a child.  I loved it because the sights, sounds, smells and tastes are still with me in my memory today.  I remember when the snow would come down soflty on the cobblestone roads, old lanterns lit up in the streets.  I remember when I would smell all of the great baking and cooking as I would walk around my neighbourhood, wherever I was at the time.  I remember get togethers, where we would sit and share baking, very good coffee, and have the candles lit on the advent wreath.  I remember Christmas music.  I remember love and laughter at this time of the year.This time of year is about candles, fireplaces, decorations and while the weather can be cold and miserable outside, I sometimes rejoice in those days, because those are the times we can relax and reflect on what our lives have brought us.   It's almost like we need Christmas to remind us that we are all connected and that we all need love.   It' like we need a reminder of how it all began.  We need to remember that while Christmas is love, love should reside in us year round.  People hug each other more at this time of year.   They treat each other with more respect, they reach out more to others who are in need.  Have you noticed?  Are you a part of the giving season?

Christmas should not be about how much money you spend on someone, or how big the gift should be or how many gifts you give.  I love giving, but for me, giving of myself is the best gift I can give someone.  Giving material things used to be what I thought would make people happy, but I think that being there, listening, loving, hugging and reaching out to my fellow man is an even bigger gift.  So, reach out to those who need you and reach out to those who don't need you.  We all need each other, especially at this time of year.  Enjoy the season.  It's all about love.