I don’t do Christmas cards. There is a myriad of reasons why.
I don’t have adorable kids to brag about, I’m not religious, and other reasons it would take a high-paid therapist to uncover. But it’s not you, it’s me.
We are brushing up against the Big Day and no cards have been purchased, signed, or stamped. I am filled with the Christmas Spirit. I’m just not filled with ink.
I don’t have a card to sign, but I have a Christmas wish: I hope you find joy these interesting days.
Maybe this year we are all just a little blue. Without naming names, there is that one BIG THING that runs just under the surface. I am not pointing fingers at any party or affiliation, but you have to admit that things are tense. This BIG THING divides us, and that makes me sad. We’ve had discussions and disagreements before, but now it feels like it’s to the death. I’m not going to change your mind, and you are not going to change mine. Now we’re at this impasse over the holiday table.
But that’s not what I want to focus on. I want to shift my lens to warmth and love that should be everywhere at this time. And I want all hands in on this. For the next several days, log off Twitter, change the channel from all news to Hallmark, and open the door to joy.
Here’s my challenge to my family, friends, and virtual friends: leave the BIG THING outside the door. Between now and January 1, 2018, let’s all pretend we’re on the same page. Let’s go back to when differences did not divide us, but sparked robust, thoughtful conversations. Let’s eat, drink, and be merry. No tax talk, forget Hannity Schmannity and Scarborough not fair, and joyous Noel, not Joy Reid (although I do love her).
I hope you find joy in the little things. If you are challenged, I hope you find peace. If you
are alone, I hope you find love. If you are sad, I hope you find humor.
To help you laugh, here’s a rather ridiculous picture of me with candy cane antlers.
I will close with my favorite holiday quote:
Christmas Day is in our grasp, as long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be, just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas, while we stand. Heart-to-heart and hand-in-hand.
