The holiday spirit is alive and joyous when our love, affection, good will and gratitude are animated in our speaking and listening.
Yes, we love the traditional: "Sleigh bells ring. Are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland." We love, too, the excitement, the decorations, the gifts and the childlike spirit of innocence brought to us by Santa and Mariah Carey. And we like the more stately; the music, the carols, the ceremonies and the readings of the congregation.
We also love the ontological space of self-possession and the principles, compassion and sympathy such space attends. Indeed, this paradigmatic transition to fully human selfhood transforms our nature to unfold as one of us. We feel a connection, a heeding, a receptivity, dare I say a splendor?
Self-possession is what we are in the expression of its form and who we are in the confidence, conviction and deeds of its practice. It is a gift that fills our hearts and minds with faith and hope, and it is a gift we can extend to others.
My best wishes to you and all those you hold dear. May your holidays be warm and lovely.