Holiday Reflections

There are gifts under the tree

For you, for me

There are decorations everywhere

On the houses, in the Square

Perhaps snowflakes on the ground,

Or palm trees all around;

Cold winds or warm sands

The holidays are being celebrated across the lands

There are parties and traditions,

Some old, some new renditions

Frosty cold mornings with clear skies of blue

Or a warmer winter’s first light, the ground covered in dew

Delicious treats

Music with holiday beats,

And caroling by the streets

But was it that ties it all together?

What are the things that are the same,

Even though we are all different?

- Love -

It is the biggest gift,

Cannot fit under a tree,

It is the best gift there is,

For you, for me

It spreads through life,

Like those beautiful holiday lights,

Bringing joy to those around us,

Steady and bright

It is warmth in the cold

The page turner, when our stories are told

The courage that makes us bold;

A cool ocean breeze in the heat

The common thread, that keeps us marching to a better beat

When things are going well

And when they’re not so swell

It is there. Love.

The parties, the treats,

Become so much better when it is woven throughout

Reminding us to care, and what life is really about;

What is real

What will last

When this season has passed,

And the new year comes,

After the holidays are done,

And the next has begun;

Another year to celebrate life,

Being alive

A time to reflect on the year

That has passed before our eyes

And the one that is before us.

There are still challenges and struggles,

Sorrow and troubles

But the difference is, that no one need be alone

We have each other

Like ornaments on a tree

New memories are hung, by you, by me

Alongside the ones seasoned by time

Those memories are mine,

And yours

Celebrations of life lived,

Life loved

Life with love

And a reminder that in the darkest of times

There can be hope

And a sunrise on the horizon

It’s not about the gifts,

Though they are lovely

Or the decorations,

Or the tree,

Or whatever your observances may be;

It’s about connection –

Friendship, joy, encouragement, and strength

Looking within, looking without, outside of ourselves,

To something greater.

And so, however the holidays are observed by each of us,

May they be merry and bright

Seasoned with laughter and hope,

And new memories to share.