The Spirit of the Season

Christmas: the time of year that reminds us all, that joy surrounds us each and every day.

The spirit of the season, is the joy and awe that surrounds each of us, even as we struggle to find the time to find the right gift at the right price.

A conscious effort must be made to listen between the lines to hear the joy, for even as each of us complain, there is happiness in our collective voices; listen, as each one happily describes in detail, the gifts purchased and how much joy it will bring to the recipient.

Complain if you must, about the parties that must be attended, and the weather that must be faced in order to arrive at them, but look between the words to see the joy. It exists in the splendor of the glitter and rich colours we wear this season.

Hold fast the memory of warm greetings from friends and family in their homes; feel the warmth of their hugs, and the hospitality they share. This is yet another joy to be experienced amid the season's tension. It is there for all of us to feel. We must open our hearts and minds to accept it.

Such joy we find in the beauty of the Christmas tree and the sparkling decorations in our homes and shop windows along the city streets. Marvel at the colours and the brilliance. Hold that joy inside, and treasure it along with the many small joys of the season. For as stressful as it seems, it is these small glittering gems of joy that make up the season, and must be reflected on during and after the mad rush. It truly is a joyous season, however hectic it may become. Hold close, those moments, and treasure them. For they are precious and beautiful, but fleeting if ignored.

Live the season in love, peace and hope, and with wide-open eyes and an open heart. And always remember, this joy is not limited to Christmas. It is a gift we carry within, each and every day, in our ability to see and acknowledge all the small glittering gems of joy the make up each of our days. They are beautiful, subtle, bountiful and accessible. Never doubt or forget that.

Merry Christmas. Love, Joy and Peace