Family, friends, and friends I consider family. That is what this season is all about. That is ALL it is about. The presents, music, travel, the boxes and ribbons, and bows are meaningless without the people you care for. This year, in particular, I see that truth with a fresh perspective.
In the last 60 days, I have lost an uncle who was both teacher and guide, a father who taught me more than he ever knew, and a job that was so much more than just a “job”. I should be drowning in grief. I should be lying in bed under the covers in the dark, waiting for the next shoe to drop. But, instead, I am writing. I am planning my next move. I am taking immense pleasure in spending valuable time with people I could lose at any moment. Carpe Diem.
Dr. Seuss was right. Christmas does not come in packages, boxes, and bags. It radiates from the hearts of people who care about each other. This time of year, the feeling is amplified, but it is there all year long. It connects people regardless of their genetics or status. That is the genuine care family and friends have for each other. We just let it sing a little louder in December.
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
– Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
So I find myself thinking more about my cousins and coworkers than I usually would, even at Christmas. I’ve doubled down on charitable donations, regardless of the lack of employment. For the first time in many years, I am able to spend valuable hours with family at the skating rink, or playing board games, or testing recent gifts, as opposed to worrying about work projects.
Charles Dickens’ personification of the Ghost of Christmas Present has been ringing in my head for many days. “Come in! and know me better, man!”. With all that has happened in the last few months, I am acutely aware that it could be worse. Others are less fortunate, need support, and perceive no one to care for them.
“Come in!” exclaimed the Ghost. “Come in! and know me better, man!”
Scrooge entered timidly, and hung his head before this Spirit. He was not the dogged Scrooge he had been; and, though the Spirit’s eyes were clear and kind, he did not like to meet them.
“I am the Ghost of Christmas Present,” said the Spirit. “Look upon me!”
– Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol.
I am awash in the bounty of friends and family who care and send warm thoughts and hugs and will just listen.
I extend warm wishes to you, my friends, family and friends I consider family. May you have a peaceful winter holiday season and a prosperous new year ahead of you.
The Bleeding Edge 
Leave a comment