Holidays are for Touching

Looking for the Spirit of Christmas? If you are looking for the spirit of anything, it’s best to look for the heart of it. In the case of our late-year holidays, start with your own heart, and then reach for the heart of those you love, or like, or just pass on the street (Hell, see how many stalkers you can collect!).

Don’t look for the spirit of Christmas in a box. You won’t find it. It’s not under the tree. It’s not in the mall. It’s not in the bottom of that third cup of cheer. Your favorite holiday carol uplifts you. Is it still a Holly, Jolly Christmas when you’re in line at Target, and that kid keeps activating the singing animatron snowman? Christmas lights are beautiful, and Christmas candles are welcoming. The 50,000 light display next door might stop traffic, but it does not represent the spirit of Christmas.

That diamond gleaming in the spotlight of the jeweler’s window may make her gasp, but I tell you, it’s not the key to her heart. If she say’s differently, then go in search of a spirit that resides in a better lock. Ditto for anyone thinking of parking a new car in the garage with a big red bow. Christmas does not come with a $50,000 price tag.

A holiday comes with a smile, a hug, a kiss, a laugh, a passion for touching another being with meaning. A holiday is a holiday when we establish a connection – by want or design, or by chance – and the song has meaning, and the lights soften, and the man in line smiles a greeting, and a letter arrives, and that movie plays, a child sleeps, and the snow falling on a silent night is more valuable that all the gifts offered in all the sales. And, we touch.

And, our spirits touch.

So I wish you a Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzaa. Happy Eid. Blessed Yule. Did I miss anyone?

Well, then come get a hug.