Merry Christmas - From My Window

Like many of you, I have been busy getting ready for the extended holiday season.  I am a traditionalist, and send out dozens of holiday cards.  An electronic greeting won’t do for me.  The people who get a card from me are those who I would hug if I saw them in person, they deserve more than just one more e-mail to stare at on a screen.  For some of them, the card may be my only contact with them for the year, which makes it even more important that care be taken.  I want it to signal “I miss you.”

As I run errands, I am struck by how courteous everyone is.  The lines may be long, the parking a mess and the traffic crazy, but “grinches” are rare.  We summon our better angels, and others reciprocate.  As we all say every year, “why can’t we be like this all the time?” The truth is we could, and in an upcoming election year that promises to be full of ugly, unnecessary rancor, it would be an excellent New Year’s Eve resolution for me: to strive to model respect and simple kindness all year long.

On a drive after sunset, I pass homes that are so full of joy and excitement about the upcoming holidays that it literally spills out of their door and windows, with lights along the roof line, draped over their fence and wound around the shrubbery in the yard.  The home literally yells “Joy to the World!”  I can’t help but smile at their generosity in sharing their exuberance with me.

Other homes move me just as much, in a different way.  They are darkened, but for a candle or two in a window.  A white light, or maybe blue, with its tranquil and peaceful presence.  It makes me think of Advent, the quiet reflection, watching and waiting for a momentous birth.  Their home sings “Silent Night,” to me; and as I have grown older, I value peace, serenity and calm during Christmastide.  I think this homeowner is my comrade, no less full of spirit but expressing it in a more subtle way.

I remember not all will have a joyous season.  Some will be working; if you will be, I thank you for making sure we are safe, cared for and have what we need.  Some will be keeping vigil at a bedside, or missing someone who will be absent at the holiday table for the first time. Some are far from home, and some are utterly alone.  Yes, here in Marinette County, there will be people who will have no one call, extend an invitation, or make any gesture at all.  Look around, and see if you can make a difference, no matter how small, to the person you know, or suspect is in these situations.  Anyone can do this.  It is what we are called to do, by that infant in the stable.

I wish all of you, regardless of faith or creed, safety, contentment and peace.  Happy holidays, seasons greetings; or merry Christmas.

I welcome commentary, alternative viewpoints or ideas at this e-mail address:  JanieTMartin@gmail.com