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Christmas Presence
Author: BobR
Date: 12/24/2024 15:01:46
Today is the Big Day. It's the reason for the Season's Greetings, for the Happy Holidays. Today is Christmas Eve, with less than 24 hours until Christmas day, as well as the first day of Hannakuh. It's a time of warmth, friendship, reflection, and a chance to celebrate the end of the days getting shorter and the start of the days getting longer.
We celebrate it in the more "secular" (i.e.: pagan) fashion, rather than as a religious event. That's just us - your mileage may vary. That's our right - collectively and individually, to celebrate it however we choose (including choosing not to celebrate). That's guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
It's also a time when those who have no family feel most left out. The long dark days add to the SAD (Seasonal-Affect Disorder), and knowing other people are together with loved ones can make it worse.
What can we do?
We can reach out to those in need of a little care, to let them know they are loved, that they matter, that they deserve happiness too. Even just announcing to the world that anyone who needs to talk, needs a hug (even virtually), or even just an "I see you" can make a difference.
Be present. Let your presence be your present.
It's a gift that costs nothing, means everything, and can be the one thing that brings some hope and joy.
That's something we can all use a little more of.
We celebrate it in the more "secular" (i.e.: pagan) fashion, rather than as a religious event. That's just us - your mileage may vary. That's our right - collectively and individually, to celebrate it however we choose (including choosing not to celebrate). That's guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
It's also a time when those who have no family feel most left out. The long dark days add to the SAD (Seasonal-Affect Disorder), and knowing other people are together with loved ones can make it worse.
What can we do?
We can reach out to those in need of a little care, to let them know they are loved, that they matter, that they deserve happiness too. Even just announcing to the world that anyone who needs to talk, needs a hug (even virtually), or even just an "I see you" can make a difference.
Be present. Let your presence be your present.
It's a gift that costs nothing, means everything, and can be the one thing that brings some hope and joy.
That's something we can all use a little more of.
Comments:
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Comment by Will_in_Ca on 12/25/2024 15:46:37
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!!!!
Today marks Christmas for most Western Christians. (Those of the Orthodox rite celebrate later as they use the Julian calendar.) May it be a time of peace, warmth, and joy. Some people are having challenging times during the holidays or miss lived ones. There is conflict in our world and our l personal lives, but peace is still possible. It is hard but let the memory of those we have loved light a candle in the darkness for us. Let us also be a light in the darkness for those who need us.
Tonight marks the first night of Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) for the world;s Jews. Long ago, the Maccabees chose not to listen to a tyrant who told them who they must be, how they should think, and how they should worship. Sadly, there are still others who wish to define others and tell them how much control they may have over their own lives and thoughts. We are still obligated to find ways to say no to tyrants, ideally through peaceful means.
May this holiday mark a dedication to bringing light where there is darkness, understanding where there is confusion or uncertainty, and healing to a troubled world. May we remember that there is still hope even when we feel despair and that we can be a light in the darkness.
And for our friend Ben, what we don't want for Christmas Future. (I don't think this was in Project 2025, but it might be in the update.)
Today marks Christmas for most Western Christians. (Those of the Orthodox rite celebrate later as they use the Julian calendar.) May it be a time of peace, warmth, and joy. Some people are having challenging times during the holidays or miss lived ones. There is conflict in our world and our l personal lives, but peace is still possible. It is hard but let the memory of those we have loved light a candle in the darkness for us. Let us also be a light in the darkness for those who need us.
Tonight marks the first night of Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) for the world;s Jews. Long ago, the Maccabees chose not to listen to a tyrant who told them who they must be, how they should think, and how they should worship. Sadly, there are still others who wish to define others and tell them how much control they may have over their own lives and thoughts. We are still obligated to find ways to say no to tyrants, ideally through peaceful means.
May this holiday mark a dedication to bringing light where there is darkness, understanding where there is confusion or uncertainty, and healing to a troubled world. May we remember that there is still hope even when we feel despair and that we can be a light in the darkness.
And for our friend Ben, what we don't want for Christmas Future. (I don't think this was in Project 2025, but it might be in the update.)