‘Tis the season

I know, Christmas is still more than a week away. However, I made my video greeting a little early and posted it on YouTube, am getting ready to post it on Facebook shortly, and I have embedded it above. The video is (subtly, I think?) about how special Christmas is to me and for all who celebrate it, no matter who they are, where they come from, gender, age, skin color, background. It’s about respect, too, because even though the message is Merry Christmas, it doesn’t mean people who do not share the same faith are excluded from the significance of that message. It means we all care about humanity. Or should.

The act of giving at Christmas is a wonderful manifestation of the season, and not just presents under the tree, although those are nice. I’m talking the giving of oneself, 0f one’s time, one’s heart, one’s compassion, one’s thoughts, one’s understanding and forgiveness. A gentle word. A smile. A thank you. A few moments sharing conversation. Truly, these are endeavors we should partake in all year long, but it doesn’t always work out that way. We forget. We get caught up in the very real trials and tribulations of everyday life. We sometimes can’t muster the elements in ourselves which permit us to share love, because we don’t always feel we receive it.

Charitable gifting is also a big part of holiday generosity, if one can. Not all have the means, and that is understood. I have in the past been a recipient of this particular kindness and hope never to forget that fact.

Family and friends and neighbors aren’t just those we speak to or see on a regular basis. They are those we sometimes neglect, they are those who live in our community whom we have never met, they are those who share this planet with us well beyond the boundaries of our lives.

And even though we may find most people in our sphere exhibit the expected cheer at Christmastime, there are those who cannot. Indeed, Christmas can almost exacerbate sadness. Remember those folks in your thoughts and actions. Depression is a real thing. As someone said (and I believe it is a quote attributed to Robin Williams): “People don’t fake depression. They fake being okay. Be kind.”

Yes. Be kind. Always. Merry Christmas one and all.