Morning Friend,
The bittersweet time of year that is Christmas, is nigh.
And with it comes a myriad of reasons and excuses not to be Merry – or in some cases to get drunkenly “un-Merry” until it’s all over with.
“Grinches”, come in all shapes, sizes, denominations and levels of inebriation, but share a common lament: “I can hardly wait till it’s over!”.
If you’re a staunch atheist, Jew, Muslim, or orthodox sociopath, you get a pass from me; have a Merry... couple of days off work!
If you’re a suffering alcoholic whose misery is all the more intensified by memories of Christmas before booze ruined your life, allow me to humbly suggest that the gift of sobriety could possibly be the best gift you could give to yourself, and everyone else in your life?
But that’s just me, “suggesting” out loud.
If you think it better to get loaded and rant and rail against the contradictory Joy, Peace and Happiness associated with Christmas, then by all means, “have at”.
Fortunately for you, it will soon be a done deal and you can get back to normal, everyday Hell on earth.
But if you’re like many “rushed” out people whose hustle has run out of bustle and your spirit and credit cards are neck and neck in a race to max out, I would humbly ask you to pause, and remember those who can hardly wait for Christmas to arrive; never mind “be over”!?
Children are Christmas, and Christmas is for them.
In this cold, cruel and oft-chaotic world, the window of years where “magic” still exists – where children can “believe” in Santa Claus – gets smaller all the time.
Some kids, by their burgeoning intellect and irrepressible curiosity, break the spell on their own, while others through familial dysfunction or other harsh twists of fate, aren’t “allowed” to believe in magic; Christmas or otherwise.
As one blessed with a TROVE of magical childhood memories, the very idea of a child not waking up on THE Morn without a gift from Santa is alien, abhorrent, and in this day and age, downright shameful.
Like the finest most fragile crystalline sculpture is the heart of a child; blinding is the light of joy reflected in their ecstatic faces and astonished eyes.
Exquisite is the love of a child touched by magic; precious is the innocence of fertile souls where sorrows magically disappear.
I remember my friend, when the “sleeps until Santa came” seemed like an eternity.
Now as an adult ( at least “chronologically” so), I’m like most folks who find the pre-Festive season fairly frantically fast-paced.
But I side with the kids when it comes to “wishing it was over”!?!?
Are you KIDDING me!?
I know of a young girl who is getting her Christmas present “several sleeps” early this year; a trip to Disney World! – sponsored by the Children’s Wish Foundation.
The trip had to be bumped up to last week when further treatment for brain cancer became futile and the window for her being strong enough to go had become desperately small.
Talk about your “Christmas Rush”!?
The window of this poor girl’s magical innocence and her window of life now share the same panes.
Now there are a few certainties about this knowledge and a lesson perhaps as well.
One, is that this is likely if not certainly the brave girl’s last Christmas.
And two, that neither her or anyone in her family is wishing the “wretched season” to end.
This is a family that no doubt wishes Christmas would never end; that the magic this year would include a miracle.
As have I fervently prayed since learning of this tragedy.
The lesson in “perspective” needn’t be mentioned really.
Anyone not enduring such devastating heartache as this, should be hopefully moved to keep and exalt the Children’s Season with renewed generosity and loving enthusiasm.
THROW some toys into that bin at work....drop off gifts to any media outlet in town....give to Children’s Wish or any other kids charity!
Open the magical window and keep it open as long as possible because it closes all too soon.
And keep your whining to yourself....especially that “bunk” about there being no Santa!?!
Merry Christmas!
love tImMy:)
Laugh as much as you breathe....
Love as long as you live (believing)
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