Happy All-the-days!

As Jack Frost slowly climbs up my window and the frigid wind tosses snow across rooftops, I am happy to see the sun shining upon us as the holidays approach.  With my daily schedule as unpredictable as our nightly weather, I catch myself dreaming about the warm winter memories from years past that I try to keep present as an adult.

I play choral, jazz, and acoustic Christmas music quietly through my home.  I find comfort in the harmonies, nostalgia in the melodies, and spiritual connections in the lyrics.  I find that the cold chill of winter days somehow awakes my being as the earth falls deeper into sleep.  And all in the same moment, I am tired from the lack of light, and tired of the societal overload of consumer "holiday glitter."

I do however find peace in the balance of the holiday season.  The gifts of spending time, not money.  The warmth of a Christmas tree, not blow-up snowmen and plastic figurines.  The gatherings with friends while baking traditional treats and sharing meals over discussions of movies, music, and current events.  To be light heart-ed in a time when heaviness and lowliness can creep in.

I find it important, especially during the holidays, to accept the differences of individuals and worship styles or non worship styles. To simply enjoy the company you are blessed with. It is a time to be thankful for the simple yet necessary entities in our lives.  A time to dig back to your roots to see how far the branches have spread.  A time to let go and yet in the same moment, a time to hold on.  A time to be tender when you feel jagged and worn.  A time to embrace whatever and however you spend your celebratory days.

I look forward to the holidays because they remind me to be thankful for what I have been given in life... not what I do not have and what I long for.  They remind me to focus on the presents I have been given that don't come in packages.  It gives me hope in this spinning world we live in.  I hope that others are able to do the same.

However you celebrate this time of year, or however you don't, I wish you all the best in all your days ahead. I leave you with holiday lyrics/thoughts that I feel can make our earth a more sacred and bountiful place to raise our children all year round.
~ Let your heart be light
~ Tidings of comfort and joy
~ All is calm, all is bright
~ Let there be peace on earth
~Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
~Hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near
~A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
~Where the love light gleams
~Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile
~ May your days be merry and bright

Lutsen Mountain
Photo by: Charity Huot Benedict