Winter is Here! (12/20/24)

Now that the snow is falling I am reminded that Winter is really here!  The daylight hours have been drastically shorter, so when it snows and there is white stuff on the ground, evenings have a shimmer and glow.  Decorating for the holidays, many have put up lights inside or outside of their homes. The presence of these lights make the shorter days so much more enjoyable.

When we think of the meaning of the holidays, there is the idea of bringing light into a darker world. The light brought by the Star of David or the North star are also strong symbols. We light candles at Chanukah, Christmas Advent, and Kwanzaa.  The symbolism of light is also celebrated with fireworks and sparklers---always in bringing the concept of light into our existence and awareness. Light not only physically brightens us, but as a metaphor, it can mean bringing us knowledge and wisdom. 

As another metaphor, we often associate the ones we love with brightening our lives.  Our cherished family and friends are those whose smiles make our day happier and go more smoothly. As we embark upon the holiday season and the shortest days of the year, perhaps we can all think of one or two ways we might brighten the lives of the people around us.  A cheerful hello, an impromptu concert of music, a held open door, or a ceded parking spot--maybe we can light up the lives of those around us and give everyone a nicer rest of their day.

Wishing all of you a wonderful, restful, joyful, peaceful, fun-filled holiday season and looking forward to starting a New Year with new energy, new ideas, and more music!