‘Tis The Season
And yet, it’s a Holiday Season unlike any we have ever experienced. It’s hard to know what to think, let alone what to say and what to write here.
So I Turned to the Past
and read the previous 11 years of December newsletters written to you, my dear readers, clients, supportive friends and interested colleagues. Way before the era of blog posts and social media, these started out as simple email blasts to a list of names.
And I Discovered Themes
It seems that every December I touch on one, two or all three of these themes:
Moving from darkness to the light.
Raising our voices in song.
Remembering childhood and family traditions.
Even though 2020 will be officially remembered as THE WORST, and these holidays are filled with challenges large and small, we still have options!
The Light
It’s no coincidence that the shortest, darkest day of the year is next week, and then we round the corner, heading back to lighter and brighter days. Yaaay! I’m going to hopefully suggest that means both literally and emotionally. In the meantime, there are candles to be lit, yule logs to burn, lights to be strung. Go for it! Brighten your environment; brighten your soul.
The Song
I won’t be gathered with friends around the piano, for our usual open-throated and rambunctious caroling, one of my favorite nights of the year. But yaaay, for sing-alongs online! From the London Symphony Orchestra to Disney, there are all kinds of streaming, virtual carol services and candle-blessings to choose from. And your computer doesn’t mind if you’re off-key.
The Tradition
It’s a hard time to be away from family, as many of us will be. But yaaay, Zoom! Sure, it’s crazy and boisterous and hard to hear and trying to explain to your Uncle what button to press gets a little old, but we’re all in this together. Tell stories, share rituals that are meaningful and make new memories.
Over 50 Years Ago
a musical called “Fiddler on the Roof” opened on Broadway. It enjoyed enormous popularity over the decades, going on to five different Broadway revivals, a highly successful film adaptation and thousands of regional performances. In the opening number, Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman in a make-believe town in Russia, introduces the signature song Tradition, by saying…
And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word…Tradition!
Staying Balanced
is not easy these days. But it’s easier to do it together. Thank you for being part of my community and joining your light with mine. I am grateful that we are creating traditions together.
May you lift your voice to reflect the light of knowledge, racial equity, hope and renewal, however that looks for you. May you shine your words into the world, illuminating the positive. May you speak your truth and know that you make a difference.
Happy, Happy and Merry, Merry
From my home to yours, let’s all stay healthy and well. See you in the New Year.
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