Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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.

8 comments:

Lori Skoog said...

Fe....a warm and fuzzy post. I got the same exact message from Susan....methinks she is selling car insurance. What do you think?
Lori

CoyoteFe said...

Thank you Susan! It's nice of you to visit. Come back any time.

CoyoteFe said...

Lori! Mayhe so! I am quite gullible, but wouldn't that be an incredibly inefficient way to drum up business? :-)

Lori Skoog said...

It would not be so bad if she did not use the exact words...she must hit all our links. I guess it is an example of blog marketing.
Lori

San said...

Uplifting, spirited post, Fe!

I got around to posting two awards you've given me. And there's one awaiting you...

Comfort and joy to you in this contemplative time.

CoyoteFe said...

Lorelai!
Blog Marketing? Given the difficulty of finding blogs, that still seems quite inefficient!
I will ask her!

San -

Thank you!

How is the Land of Enchantment?
Blessing and Light to you in unaccountable volumes this season! :-)

rebecca said...

Oh, Fe, my sweet, in the spirit of Christmas you have written what it truly is all about. So much truth to be found in your words. My favorite line was the one about going to find a spirit that resided in a better lock. Mint.

As always, your writing is inspiring and this piece just filled me with such warmth and joy. A truly, wonderful Christmas gift from you!

love and peace to you my friend. and have a delightful holiday embraced by the warmth touch of your loved ones...

((hugs))
rebecca

CoyoteFe said...

Rebecca -

Thank you again for your kind words! Hoping everyone that is looking for a key or a lock finds it. Wishing you a Christmas full of light, luck and love!