‘Tis the Season

Yes, it is the season of carols, noels, decorations and shopping. Lots of shopping. The Christmas season is here and the seasonal colorful lights and displays prove it. Hints of its approach preceded Halloween as it almost always does. And then, with Thanksgiving, it arrives.

Most families look forward to this time of year. Many families do not. Many reasons explain this dichotomy, but division is not just due to differing religious practices.

No, some families simply cannot afford to join the shopping frenzy. Others find it difficult to even know what to buy for someone else. Goods and services simply are not appropriate for many people. With age especially, recipients need very few things. Services, yes, and kind thoughts mostly. Yes, shopping is fraught with undefined mysteries.

Gathering is a primary thrust. Not everyone in the grouping is loved and welcome, but we hide these issues and make a good try and being glad and happy to see everyone. Family politics is more complicated than political ones, and we all know this lesson well! So, we avoid at least the political differences. Alone, this process helps focus on what really matters.

The better instinct of social order usually gets back to appreciating and loving each other in some fashion at this time of year. Not uniting with other family members becomes a life-changing event in most households. Still, it happens and is a natural thing. Weather, distance, career and marriage is the usual cause of these changes. Each cause of change gives a fresh perspective on what it means to be a family and a loved one. It is both complicated and simple. It is a fact of life and one to be well managed.

Meanwhile, seasonal weather adds to the challenge. Cold, snow, ice and wind combine to make travel difficult if not impossible. We witnessed some of that just this weekend! And in this storminess, we learned to live with it and get along. Like the other challenges, we will also learn to live with them and get along with each other. And life. Ah yes, change is constant and often on our social diet to digest.

Seasonal tidings to you all. Enjoy the gatherings and challenges of the season. Each yield a valuable lesson to know and learn.

December 1, 2025

 

 

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