Day Ninety Four

Wow! I've been away a couple of days. Got pretty busy in the real world. I also was trying to catch up with my fellow bloggers. I got so engrossed in reading last night that I completely lost track of time. My blog reading list is becoming like the stack of books overwhelming my bedside table. I can't help it. I always do things in overload. But so many bloggers have such compelling stories. Some of you are funny (REALLY funny!), some of you share your losses and your triumphs, and some of you challenge me to live better, treat the world better. All of you inspire me in some way.

So now the holidays begin. I know that I am not alone in saying that this truly is my favorite time of the year. It has little to do with the gifts. It has a lot to do with the spirit of the season -- whether we live up to it or not. I love what the holiday season means -- unconditional love, counting blessings, and sharing our bounty. Even I feel "rich" during these precious weeks and find myself giving to friends and strangers alike. If I could bottle this and carry it all year, I wonder what I would be capable of.

I think we are capable of being our best selves in this season. Whether we light a menorah or a tree, fast all day or place a wreath on our door. Almost every religion and tradition have a major "holy-day" this month. So this is one of those great times when we have more that is shared than is different.

So as I continue counting my blessings from Thanksgiving and look to the short days leading to the day that represents so much love to me, I hope to live fully and well and be a credit to the season -- all of the season. I hope to teach my children that there is more than Santa Claus, animated films, and toys, toys, toys. I hope that they will see that at its heart, it's about love and miracles, and love making miracles.

So here's to the holidays and the "holy-days". May yours be well and enjoyed.

Oh and the music... You knew I couldn't post about the holidays and not mention the music. It's not called "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for nothing. For me, I can't get enough of Andy Williams and Nat King Cole for the Old-School and either Michael Buble or Harry Connick, Jr. for the nuevo-Old-School. I love, Love, LOVE Christmas music. I start playing it the day after Thanksgiving and don't turn it off until January 2nd. And yes, I sing along. With my kids and without them.