Holiday music seems strange this year.
As if the holly jolly bustle is a distant memory. In the absence of large family gatherings, shopping sprees, and holiday parties, the world is quieter. Perhaps this is why it took me by surprise when I heard the holiday music in the hair salon. Christmas was coming.
I heard this musical invitation to meaningfully prepare for this holiday.
The world is different so it makes sense that this holiday will be different. I’m using this awareness as a springboard into meaningful action. Preparing for the dark, colder winter, I’m interested in creating light, warmth, and comfort in my home. To bring cheer into my environment in a way that looks and feels beautiful.
Decorating my home for the holidays became an act of love rather than a routine change in decor.
The outdoor lights were different this year as new tiny bushes replaced the old. Inviting a discussion about how to create beauty and pleasure outdoors. To bring light to the night in a conscious way. And celebrate the loveliness of a simpler presentation.
Our family gift giving shifted this year to a pollyanna as the “kids” had grown up.
Another change. Reflecting the transformations our world is going through. Thanksgiving heralded the tiny family gatherings, connected briefly by ZOOM. I noticed the light, warmth, and enjoyment represented by each square on my computer.
I sensed plans for Christmas following the same path.
Sprinkled with the appreciation of togetherness while we are separate. The comfort of sharing time, love, and pleasure with those in the room. Even when alone. Zooming cheer to those further away.
I sought the beauty beneath the expected commercial promotion of the Christmas holiday.
I saw how decorations, parties, and gifts honored the connections between friends and family. Offering lovely traditions and meaningful time spent together. Increasing the warmth within and between us. With the simplification of holiday activity, the presence of love and gratitude emerges powerfully through conscious sharing and caring.
The natural brilliance emerging from heartfelt connection outshines the artificial lights of the season.
Inviting us to go deeper within to commune with the Light that is alive in our hearts. Breathing with the energy of Love and the consciousness of the Christed One which flows to, through, and from us. This Light which honors and welcomes all traditions with all of their trimmings.
Beauty, warmth, comfort await us when dropping into the embrace of this Light.
Reminding us to view the twinkling lights, cheery music, and rituals of gathering and giving as an outward expression of this love. To welcome the quiet simplicity of my moments and intentionally refrain from the busyness of past holidays.
