I have to admit… I love the Holidays.  I love the weather.  I love the decorations.  It is a part of my history.

This past weekend, my partner and I sat and watched the History and the National Geographic Channels all day as show after show debated the “actual birthplace of Christ” and “was there a star and did it actually settle over Bethlehem…” and on and on.  It was an amazingly fun day and I felt closer to my particular spirituality through the process of critical analysis.

You see for me, it isn’t about the details and the specifics.  It is about the spirit and getting in touch with that part of myself that connects with all people.

What came out of all of that television watching, was a recognition of connection and ritual.

I think that we as a people find meaning in our lives through a connection with something that is greater than each one of us individually. For some that is a “Higher Power” and for others it is a sense of connection to other human beings and humanity at large.  Then, whether we know it or not, we ritualize it… we create a tradition.

So even if Christmas isn’t your tradition… as I’m often reminded by my friend Stephanie who sings the South Park song to me, “I’M JUST A LONELY JEW AT CHRISTMAS…” reconnect with whatever your ritual is that makes you feel connected to your history. (For Stephanie, it’s Chinese food and a movie on Christmas day.) Whatever yours might be, consciously hook in. Connect with what has brought you to this place here and now– your history!  Celebrate what is gotten you to where you are. Good or bad, you are here and tomorrow is a new day so believe in the power of a hope for a better tomorrow!  Then start to create it.

If you don’t have a tradition that stands out, create one.  Find some special something that you can celebrate no matter what your current situation.  The simple act of looking for that will help you hook in and I promise you will find a connection. There is something in the air at this time of the year and I think it goes way beyond the holiday.

I realize this post is a bit “stream of consciousness.”  I felt compelled to put it down on “web paper” even though it wasn’t fully formed. My Blog – My Way!!  <g>   If it is helpful in any way, I am thrilled.  If, however, you take nothing else away, take this: May you find peace when you look for it, joy where you choose to create it and connection with all of us in a hope for a better tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!