That Time of Year...

In late December, our modern traditions lean toward kindness, charity, goodwill to others, peace and love. But delving further back, I've learned that the Winter Solstice is one of the oldest known holidays in human history. As the shortest day (and longest night) in the northern hemisphere, it signals the first day of Winter but can also be seen as the start of a New Year. Many of the most ancient stone structures made by human beings were designed to pinpoint the precise date of the solstice. The stone circles of Stonehenge were arranged to receive the first rays of midwinter sun.

So, is it coincidence that all of the "Big Three" celebrate their highest of holy days at the same basic time? Obviously not. Solstice celebrations extend back aproximately 30,000 years, back to a time before the dawn of the agrarian age. Back to when we were "hunter / gatherers". When we looked to the universe as the giver of all things - a source of mystery and wonder, but also the great provider. Have we lost that sense of appreciation for the gift of life? Have not the World's religions attempted to stake claim and appropriate this season as their own? Preposterous notions, all! If the God of Abraham is indeed the foundation of Islam, Judism and Christianity, why do so many practitioners disagree with one another so strongly?

I feel that we must return to the true "reason for the season", and be thankful for the opportunity to make causes for our own happiness. It is unnecessary to curse the "unbelievers" (those who think differently) who are uninterested in following any number of outmoded belief systems. Take a tip from the Ancients - be grateful for being alive and celebrate the start of a (hopefully) truly New Year!

Reasons to be Cheerful...

For me, having my mother out of the nursing home and back in the community is, first and foremost, the best Holiday present I could have received. It's been a LONG year for her (and me), but as it rings to a close we are thankful for her return to (mostly) independent living.

Also, as a father, having my two sons gainfully employed has been a blessing. Mike was on pins and needles all summer and happy to be recalled by his School District for an even better position than last year. Rich was out of work for eight months after being screwed-over by his former employer. He finally found a job that fits his sensibilities and work ethic and is now working joyfully.

As for me, having a completely loving wife is something for which I am eternally grateful. Her support and encouragement brings me overwhelming joy DAILY. Realizing that I hold the key to changing my karma and the ability to overcome any obstacle that appears in my path is what spurs me on.

I am truly fortunate to be alive and able to make positive causes for the future. After all, "I like the Future. I'm in it!"

Holidaze

Does anybody else feel as I do about the holidays? Not overwhelming joy, not fear and loathing, not benign acceptance - just a general unease. Dickens referred to Christmas as "a fine excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December." On that point I am in agreement. But only to a point. Charity and "good works" can be practiced on that date, but it can also be observed on the other 364 days of the year as well. No, what I'm referring to is the crass commercialism that attempts to tell us that it's our right, nay our duty to overextend ourselves in order to buy gifts for a friend or loved one. Well Folks, I'm here to tell you that that just ain't so.
Here's an interesting tidbit, the real St. Nicholas lived in the fourth century, and he was the archbishop of Myra in Lycia (which is now Turkey). There are all kinds of stories about him, but one of the most famous is that there was a poor man who could not afford a dowry for his three daughters, which meant they would have to be abandoned to prostitution. St. Nicholas didn't want to humiliate the man by giving him charity in public, so he left purses of gold in the man's house at night — according to one version of the story, he dropped them down the chimney, and in another, one of the daughters had set out her stockings to dry and the gold was put in them. And so St. Nicholas, the bringer of anonymous gifts, inspired Jolly Old St. Nick, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus.
So, during this season, consider performing some simple act of kindness for a friend or relative. If you are in a position to do so, bring food and laughter to someone who is homebound, or consider donating to a local food bank. At the least, simply choose to be kind to a stranger in need.
The universe will thank ya for it!
BTW - I'm oficially sick of Christmas music.