As I’m sure you have, I’ve been receiving skillions of “Happy Holidays and New Year!” newsletters and emails, many of which are beautiful and touching. I’m grateful for these lovely reminders and chances to reflect on this past year, and what my hopes and dreams are for 2010.
I’ve decided not to send a “Happy Holidays” email, but instead, to write to you here, and thank you for being a part of my cherished community. It’s quite a blessing – to blog regularly and to receive fascinating, diverse, often passionate comments from steadfast readers who follow your words and thoughts, and care enough to share their insights. It’s a privilege, and I’m most grateful for it.
This season carries with it beautiful childhood memories for me – of fuzzy, fat Christmas tree lights, of smooth skating on frozen ponds (I grew up in upstate NY after all!), of the splendor of snow falling lightly on trees, of out-of-tune caroling with young friends around the neighborhood, and of family basking by a fire dancing with multicolored flecks (created by a “magic” powder my dad would throw in!). When we have these warm and comforting childhood memories, they color our experiences well into the future, giving us rose-tinted recollections to savor for many years.
For me, this is a beautiful season. No matter what challenges have come before, this season softens the rough edges and rounds out the year with celebration, family, reflection, and gratitude.
I hope this season — that brings to a close such a deeply challenging and humbling year — has been beautiful for you too.
May your 2010 be what you dream it to be — as expansive and glorious a vision as you can hold.
Happy holidays to you.
