This little heart of mine, i'm gonna let it shine...

I celebrate Christmas (vs. other holidays in winter) because, even though i no longer practice the religious tenets of a Church doctrine, i am a follower of the words of Christ and His Spirit which led me back to God my Father where all my spiritual expectations are met! There are many of us who can't go to church anymore but can still call ourselves Christians and still believe.

But it's hard to think about Christmas sometimes. There are always memories of the past that get in the way of being present (emotionally, not just physically!) for the current one. Some of a families' worst tension comes out during this time; it is difficult for many who are separated from their families. Did you know, the most suicides happen in December. Financial responsibilities are highest this season but especially this year and the nature of 'giving' is changing. Money is slow and some seasonal expectations can't (and won't) be met.

Many families (like mine!) enjoy the challenge of sharing traditions when parents come from different countries, cultures and have different rituals. Growing up in a predominantly (almost thoroughly) Judao/Christian society, the "Reason for the Season" was always Santa Claus, St. Nick if you will, and little baby Jesus being born with wise men and kings and angels and trumpets and, well, mostly about Santa Claus, truthfully. Now? So wonderful to celebrate "the Light" with all my brothers and sisters from all traditions.

So much goes unspoken as it has to do with specific tradition and ritual. I can just imagine what my son-in-law (who is from Ghana) thought when we said "Come on, we have to go out on this freezing, snowing, blowing day and trample for an hour in the bush and find the "perfect tree". Huh???? What's THAT about??

Multi-culturalism isn't just about how many Asians you have in your office, it's a day to day experience for all of us. Respect for other traditions must be one of our virtues, especially celebrated at this time of year.

Holidays and Festivals abound and in winter they help us to get in touch with the Spirit of the season - Spirit of Love, Hope, Peace, Understanding, Honour and all that is good, all throughout the world with every faith tradition and heart promoting the Light and the Spirit which pierces the darkness.

Good remembrances of love past and present; special, warm thoughts of loved ones far away, spending more time with our families and loved ones; reconnecting with old friends, making new ones; thanksgiving to others for their thoughtfulness or kindness throughout the year; enjoying and reveling in the joy and innocence of children. enjoying the expressions and symbolic gestures of love - gifts, the Tree of lights, candles, singing. Being reminded that, even though it seems dark, the light still exists.

We all share the need for the light in the dark of winter. We need lights on our houses, lights in our homes, lights in the parks making the nippy walk home in a snow storm seem a little less bleak. Most of all we need lights in our hearts....bright enough to make this time better for someone else.

The Spirit of the Season urges us on!

We are given mystery and secrets and colour and lights and a sense of awe and anticipation and wonder and surprise and gratitude and smiles, laughter and good food and nice talks and thoughts of family and friends far away.

May our reflections and actions this winter bring us the bigger heart for understanding and the clearer minds more open to accept differences and the wisdom to see the BIG in the SMALL.

And may we all find more time to be together, talk and love.

But as my dear friend, A, would say - "It's all about the gifts, it's all about the gifts"!!!!