I celebrate Christmas, though I also do my best to honor and enjoy all of the other holidays at this time of year – but celebrating Christmas is how I grew up, and it carries so many different meanings for me. As with most of us who gather with family at this time of year – it’s a time to celebrate being together, enjoying each other’s company – and possibly the ritual disagreement(s) about the past. But in the end, regardless of which holiday you celebrate this time of year represents a time to be grateful. It’s an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on our many blessings. I was reminded of that today. I’m grateful for the reminder. I know it will change how I approach each gathering, and how I will look back on this holiday season in the months to come. Sometimes, all it takes is a reminder – even if we already know something. Especially when we already know something.
With that said – this week I simply want to share with you one of my favorite sections from one of my favorite Christmas stories: How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. We all know “grinches” in our lives – in fact, we’ve all been grinches at one time or another. So, this section is worth repeating – if only to serve as a reminder to us of what’s possible when we stop and listen.
So he paused. And the Grinch put a hand to his ear. And he did hear a sound rising over the snow. It started in low. Then it started to grow – – –
Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, Was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same!
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow, Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so? “It came without ribbons! It came without tags! “It came without packages, boxes or bags!” And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. “Maybe Christmas…perhaps….means a little bit more!”
And what happened then…? Well. . . .In Who-ville they say That the Grinch’s small heart Grew three sizes that day!
Wishing you all a joyous holiday. May your hearts grow larger this holiday season and be filled with love, laughter and joy as you celebrate with family and friends. Merry Merry, Happy Happy and Joy to the World with Peace on Earth for all.
In Love and Light,
Martina