Brightness

Have you noticed things seem brighter during the holidays? Yes, I know you’re thinking that here in the middle of nowhere we’ve had gray, overcast days so how on earth could anything be brighter? It doesn’t make sense, does it?

Please, bear with me. I know it sounds like I’ve had too much eggnog but I promise that’s not the case. The clarity that surrounds almost everything these last weeks before Christmas doesn’t come from the sun, table lamps or even those festive strings of blinking holiday lights. While it can’t be pointed at or unplugged, I see and feel it just the same. I bet you do, too.

The brightness of the season comes from within, from the gazes and smiles of those around us, from the laughter in voices and the joy in every pleasant exchange—be it with friend or stranger. The brightness that captivates me during the holiday weeks is the vividness of character and spirit in those we hold dear, as well as those we don’t know by name.

I’ve got to admit, I’m enchanted by the spirit of Christmas. I love watching curmudgeons smile indulgently at excited children, hearing off-key carols sung with gusto and am especially jazzed when I hear of connections being reestablished or renewed between family, friends and neighbors.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could somehow bottle the brightness of Christmas? Find a way to contain—even for a moment—the wonderful energy of the season and light the world with it?

Hmm…I’ll bet we could do something about the energy crisis, too…
What about you? Is there something about the season that you find particularly exciting?

Have a great day!