The gifts are bought, mostly wrapped, and the tree is trimmed, waiting for the big event. This one will come, and hopefully so will many others. All the anticipation, planning, apprehension, and stress will come to an end, this time, and be repeated many times if we're lucky. The climax is joy, happiness, and the simple pleasure of the satisfaction of watching our loved ones enjoying the gifts, food, and company we share.
There is sadness in the world, surely. But in the Holiday Season, in the microcosm of our lives we should see only what we need. We deserve to cherish this time of unbridled pleasure and share it without guilt or shame. If we can provide well for our friends and loved ones, good for us. Good for all those who have and can share!
The sadness and strife in the world will continue after we are all dust. There's little we can do to stop it or bend it's path. Entire countries and wealthy organizations have been working at it for centuries, and not a dent made. People will continue to recreate and procreate, the rich and the poor. That means more for both columns, and nothing to be done for it.
So celebrate! Enjoy this time of year and reveille in its hedonistic saturation of your soul. It's what you work so hard for day after day. It's why you worry for your children, weep for your neighbors' losses, and volunteer your time and services to your community. You've worked for it, you've earned it, and now is the time of year to immerse yourself in the wonder of it all.
Merry Christmas!
