I don’t know why, but this year I want to celebrate every part of Christmas. Maybe it’s because of all the End of the World, War is Coming! talk and predictions, or maybe it’s because of any given tragedy, but I want to hold my family, friends, and neighbors closer this year.
I have been ringing the bell, burning incense, lighting candles, singing carols, and praying the tears and fears out of my eyes and heart. I have followed the prescription of Christmas to the letter: sending cards, baking cookies, giving gifts to charities, visiting family and friends.
The house is decorated, the lights and stockings are hung. My little tree is overly decorated with beads, feathers, glass balls, whimsical toys, and sparkly lights. There is Christmas in every room. Santa and Jesus share mutual duties in each corner.
There are parties to go to every week leading up to Christmas Day. I spread love wherever I go hugging and kissing everyone. With true love in my heart, I dole out joy and festivity. I am living the holiday in earnest.
On the Solstice night, my own special Santa crawls into bed next to me dressed in his red winter long Johns. We have played the drum, lit a candle, and burnt a sage stick. We offer a sugar dusted cookie to the heavens before plopping one into each of our mouths. We stood naked in the cold rain to honor the coming light. Now we will cozy up and comfort each other in the warmth of our winter bed… Blessed Be.
(First published 12/22/12)
