Happy Writemas! And may I say Happy Holidays to you and yours.
I have not really been one for religion. I feel, as a writer, I should keep my mind and heart open to view all different types of culture and life without feeling judgmental. Or basing my reaction on my own belief system. I feel like this allows me to immerse myself deeper.
Despite that, I was raised in Christian household. And while I cannot believe in the religious aspect of Christmas or the religion, I do hold some traditions from childhood. I celebrate what is called a secular holiday. I still provide my family with gifts. I still decorate a tree with non-religious ornaments. I still enjoy the songs, spirit, hope, and joy that is very present during this season. I hope for peace throughout the world. I hope for less suffering and less pain. I hope for those who are without someone else to find a friend.
This year, it is a very different sensation. My family is without our matriarch - both of them. My mother LOVED Christmas. She decorated the house the day after Halloween much to the dismay of my little sister Denise whose birthday is November 13th. As I put up the tree. As I shopped for my gifts. As I thought about baking cookies, she was always present in my thoughts. What I felt is this overwhelming sense of rawness in my heart and my mind. I cried so many times knowing I couldn't go shopping with her again, or enjoy her molasses cookies she always made me this time of the year.
In the midst of all those sad emotions, I am thankful. Because of her, I have hope during this season. I have the fortitude to connect to other human beings and think of everyone as an equal. I have the compassion to love others. Something she had and practiced every day of her life. I have the ability to think of others, even during the most greedy part of the year.
Happy Holidays.
Spend some time thinking of others. And if you cannot, take some time and spend with your family. Love them like it will be the last day you see them.
I have not really been one for religion. I feel, as a writer, I should keep my mind and heart open to view all different types of culture and life without feeling judgmental. Or basing my reaction on my own belief system. I feel like this allows me to immerse myself deeper.
Despite that, I was raised in Christian household. And while I cannot believe in the religious aspect of Christmas or the religion, I do hold some traditions from childhood. I celebrate what is called a secular holiday. I still provide my family with gifts. I still decorate a tree with non-religious ornaments. I still enjoy the songs, spirit, hope, and joy that is very present during this season. I hope for peace throughout the world. I hope for less suffering and less pain. I hope for those who are without someone else to find a friend.
This year, it is a very different sensation. My family is without our matriarch - both of them. My mother LOVED Christmas. She decorated the house the day after Halloween much to the dismay of my little sister Denise whose birthday is November 13th. As I put up the tree. As I shopped for my gifts. As I thought about baking cookies, she was always present in my thoughts. What I felt is this overwhelming sense of rawness in my heart and my mind. I cried so many times knowing I couldn't go shopping with her again, or enjoy her molasses cookies she always made me this time of the year.
In the midst of all those sad emotions, I am thankful. Because of her, I have hope during this season. I have the fortitude to connect to other human beings and think of everyone as an equal. I have the compassion to love others. Something she had and practiced every day of her life. I have the ability to think of others, even during the most greedy part of the year.
Happy Holidays.
Spend some time thinking of others. And if you cannot, take some time and spend with your family. Love them like it will be the last day you see them.
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