Happy Holidays

I am not a particularly religious person, and I no longer attend church or belong to any organized religion, but the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s continues to be one of my favorite times of year. 

I like decorating my home, baking goodies for family and friends, and I like looking at Christmas decorations and listening to Christmas songs. The only thing I despise about this time of year is the excessive consumerism and commercialization that at times I find suffocating.

For me, the spirit of Christmas is well depicted in this song interpreted by the great Ray Charles: “The time of year for being with the ones we love, sharing so much joy and cheer, what a wonderful feeling (…) why can’t it be all through the year (…) it’s truly amazing that spirit (…)” These are my memories of Christmas: past, present and, hopefully, future.

A joyful Holiday season to all my readers, regardless of the holiday you celebrate: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa…Festivus – whichever.

Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay warm.

Smile, keep calm and carry on.