So, our distinguished holidays peek around the corner greeting each one of us graciously,indifferently possibly for some disheartened and yet precisely as it should in the spirit and hearts of all. In many cases our furry friends whom have been apart of our experience here as loyal companion and constant care givers are among this spirit as well. For these wonderful little precious gifts I am truly grateful!!

I have noticed in passing many saying, “ It just doesn’t feel like Christmas this year….” Understandably so, however there is another side to this "tree" so-to-speak. More likely and most probably it is only that this year, Christmas may not feel as it has in the past. It remains still Christmas and may present itself more so than any other a very real spirit of Christmas in well over a decade as it is filled with precisely what it should considering passing events. Even as adults Christmas Stockings will be hung as the “Spirit” exists! How?

Personally, I can remember past holiday, celebrations. They were wonderful in there own way - A constant glee of gifts, delectables, and shopping carts full of presents as far back as 3 weeks before the event. Work had been gifted with bonuses, Champaign, and reservations of some kind for the employees and/or internal family owned businesses with satisfactory “numbers.” This year IS/will be different. However, not bad just different.

This year of “Spirit” which many of us speak when referring to the Holidays will have the opportunity to present itself center-stage. If allowed, we will experience and enable the practice through our actions flourishing what Christmas truly represents - making for that which could be possibly one of the best holidays remembered.

Money may not be as it was. Jobs may not be as they were. In lieu of either and in general being scarce, something in their place (besides debt and the added change to one’s lifestyle..smile) arises and is available for the open minded and hearted. Arriving in packages of giving, a guarantee of peace and serenity breaks the waves of physical uncertainty.

Someone once said, one of the best ways to forget problems of our own is to help another with theirs. Many can drive down town a hundred times a month seeing buildings scattered everywhere. I like to look at the bricks. Sometimes when it’s quiet enough to think about it I see how each brick connects with another, along with wood, nails and the final details catching our attention. Then I think what if bricks were positive actions: a smile, a touch, eye contact, giving when you have little yourself. What would those bricks build for tomorrow’s sake. What would it represent and what would our children see? I know it would not be a bad thing.

This year, should it be possible, throw back anything you may have acquired which would produce more for the giving than that of keeping. Maybe a quilt, maybe a craft to a teacher whom may be new to a school, food from your storage, Christmas cards to the counter of a retirement home. Lastly, if it is not feasible for a Christmas past, creatively put one together with your family or treat your senses to collecting pinecones with your children at a park and boil them with apple/orange peels and cinnamon sticks. Bake a turkey breast instead of an entire turkey or donate one. Everyone is feeling a bit of a crunch this year. Maybe the best present we can give would have nothing to do w/a credit card or sweeping feelings under a rug, but with an understanding that it’s just plain ‘ol o.k. to feel what you do and come on over for dinner.

In the truest meaning of the Spirit of Christmas we will observed and carry forward one whose presence will be remembered such as the Christmas of a life time, for a life time.

Happy Holidays and a VERY NEW year for those in pursuit of…Elliese ^0^