It’s Feeling Pretty Dark
around here. I don’t know about you, but I sure am grateful for the Winter Solstice. That perfect moment when our Northern Hemisphere’s axis turns the corner, tilting us back towards warmth, spring and light.

I Believe There’s A Reason
why we have holidays in the midst of the darkest time of year. They kind of force us to get out from under our cozy comforters and get moving: buy the presents, decorate, cook or bake, send out cards or invitations, etc. Basically, it’s just one grand reason to reach out and connect. Or reconnect. With family, friends and whatever community may mean for us.

“Tis Better To Light A Candle
than to curse the darkness.” This ubiquitous quote has been widely attributed: a British Preacher, Confucious, Eleanor Roosevelt. And who wouldn’t want to take credit for it? Mid-winter deserves a plethora of candles. Yours and mine.

Chanukah candles on the menorah. Christmas candles on the mantel. Kwanzaa candles in the kinara. Shinto candles on the shrine. Votive candles and floating candles. Scented candles and tapered candles. And each of those flames makes a difference.

Growing Up In Montreal
Christmas lights were a Very Big Deal. Every year this memory comes back to me. My brother, sister and I in the back seat, Mommy and Daddy in front, Daddy’s old white Oldsmobile driving around the streets and neighborhoods of Montreal, all of us ooo-ing and aah-ing at the fabulous displays. Christmas Eve, it felt as if the entire city stopped and was still. At peace.

It’s A Magical Time
If you’re not feeling it, just look at a child’s face. We owe it to ourselves as well as to the humanity around us to embrace the moment and to be kind. Your words can add to the light. I know it takes effort (I wrote about this last month), but aahhh, the rewards!

Each Of Us Is A Personal Light
and we can absolutely choose how we want to shine into the world. I admit to a personal bias towards being as positive as I can. And why not? Spreading our radiance can bring as much joy to ourselves as it brings to others. I see all of us, you and me, as singular beacons of hope and illumination, in an ever-growing and widening circle.

From my home to yours, may your light shine brightly and may you enjoy a lightness of spirit. I hope you will raise your voice in song or blessing and speak words of love, appreciation and celebration for all to hear.

Shine on! Merry Holidays! Happy New Year! To Life!

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