I WILL wish everyone a Happy Holidays today and throughout the season.

[Skidmore]

Whatever the holy day or tradition you observe--or don't observe. Go in peace and the grace of goodwill among your family and loved ones. The season is what you make it with whatever you have at your disposal in terms of traditions and values. This Christmas Eve hammered this home to me as I watched my 3-year-old grandson's eyes light up as he understood for the first time how the act of sharing extends beyond your playgroup and pesky little sister or family members.

My greatest pleasure was found in passing on memories of Christmas Past and memories of loved ones no longer here in the season to my children and him. Our traditions weave the fabric of our lives and the season is symbolic of that tapestry. As with the solstice, the holy days and observances of winter are about giving predictability to joy and hope in a world that is sometimes very bleak. As long as human beings connect on a higher plain through acts of self-sacrifice--whether through the time you volunteer at a local charity, donate to someone in need, or simply carefully select a gift for a loved one--the goodness in the human soul is affirmed and it's lesson made available to a new generation. Those who would divide the world, politically and theologically, cannot remove the power of a simple act of loving kindness between family members or strangers. It is the most potent force in this world and they fear it. Forget the commercialism and the political claptrap and find the good in those around you and in the world. Peace will follow when we seek the grace and goodness in ourselves and others. Want for others the nourishment of the soul that you want for yourself.

Celebrate your tradition and celebrate the traditions of others in spirit for they are manifestations of the same human endeavor.

Happy Holy Days.

[roguevalley]

1. Best wishes to you from freezing Alaska.

[Tony_Illinois]

2. Merry Christmas everyone . . .

I know it is terribly retro of me to actually use the "C" word--but call me irresponsible!