I enjoy the holidays. I know that the holidays are stressful for many. Playing host to in-laws; cooking for a large group; spending money that you know you don't have; fighting the traffic and crowds and weather just to find out that what you came for is sold out... No matter, I still enjoy the holidays.


I enjoy the holidays because it offers so many opportunities to see the kindness in people. You just have to look. Sometimes really hard. But it is there. The volunteers who work the Christmas Angel booth at the mall. The organizers who took the time to set-up the booth. The queue of people looking to buy a gift for the child they know only as a name and an age. I enjoy the holidays because the Christmas Angel booth gets as much traffic as the other retailers in the mall. And everyone does it not for recognition, but because they know deep down that this is the message of Christ. Provide for those less fortunate than you. And that message is universal.


Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or Taoist understand that Christmas is a time of year to remember that sacrifice is fundamental to being a good person. This is what I think of when a hear about the holiday spirit. Everyone, regardless of religions belief, can share in the universal practice of being a good neighbor. It is the little things. The parking spaces that are offered, the doors that are opened, the smiles, winks, and holiday greetings. They are shared among people who come and go at the stores and restaurants. It is a tiny reminder that within the hectic pace of the holidays, we remember to share a genuine sense of goodwill.


I like hearing someone say 'Happy Holidays" to a stranger. I like seeing a family with a Christmas tree strapped to the roof of their car. I like seeing people wear a stupid looking Santa hat. I like that fact that the lead-in to the New Year is about sharing and sacrifice. That the effort you spend in making the holidays successful is really about doing good for others. Sacrifice. In the end, will you feel better about what you have given or what you have received? Merry Christmas.