When the covid-19 spike happened in our community, we came to understand what that means for our day to day lives and our holiday plans.
It dawned on us that this will be a different year; one when we prioritize our personal as well as public health. We have shifted our emphasis from a traditional experience to a scaled back one, keeping our eye on the goal, the reason for the season.
For Thanksgiving, the goal is gratitude. That can be practiced with or without a large gathering. It is an inside job, generated by our thoughts. There are always things to be grateful for when we set our minds to it.
This attitude of gratitude sets the mood for the holidays that follow. Goodness flows from it. Without it, the meaning of the holidays can get lost in all the busyness of the preparation and celebration of them.
This year, we have been given an opportunity to scale back on outer trappings and focus on the inner aspect of the holidays. I’ve decided to embrace it.
Instead of thinking about which parties to go to, what to wear and what to bring, I am thinking about how I can contribute more to what really matters in my life and world. How can I be a force for good?
Basically, the winter holiday – the celebration of light, generosity of spirit, and all things merry and bright is about what is sacred and good. There can be no outer restrictions or limitations placed on celebrating that.
One of my heroes, Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, said whenever we are in the presence of another person, we are on sacred ground. It does not matter how many or if they are in person or on a screen, we can elevate each human encounter with that thought.
By sacred, I mean deep respect or reverence. Imagine it. Begin by treating others with this high regard and see what happens.
This year, amidst its challenges, if I remember what is sacred and good within each of us and in our world, I may find the holidays have a special luminous or light-filled quality.
After all, we are celebrating the light that shines brightest in the dark of winter. With that focus, we will
create an atmosphere of hope to fill a reservoir in our young children and replenish it in ourselves.
When I look back on 2020, I will know that we were gifted by all that we had and all that we did not have.
Wishing you health, happiness and all that is good this holiday season!