(How to make it a) Happy New Year

The autumn weather has morphed to wintry weather. Cooler to cold temperatures have come in on breezes and even gusty winds. The skies are grayer more often, filled with the moisture of the winter.  Snow has greeted many of you with gusto! 

And the Christmas season is with us.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”     ~ Norman Vincent Peale

In the last several weeks, time being the illusion that it is, “suddenly” the holidays have come upon us.  Christmas shopping, celebrations in our schedules, merriment  and Christmas music have further lifted our spirits, and reminded us of this wonderful time of the year.  

Though we may feel as if we are moving faster to “get it all done”, we also slow down, breathe a little slower and take it all in.  We connect to the goodness of our divinity, and our oneness with each other. 
The parties and shopping and wrapping have ushered in Christmas. This year Hanukkah and Christmas share the same day.  Candles are lit and hearts are full.  

Christmastime creates precious holiday time for us, wrapped around the end of the year and closed with New Year’s Day.  

This week, you can keep your awareness focused on your goodness, your oneness.  YOU are critical and necessary - yes, necessary - to so many others.  

“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”    ~ Clarence the Angel to George Bailey in 'It’s a Wonderful Life'

Know your divine love makes a huge difference.  This week (and always) look for opportunities to give of your wonderful self, to others… 

• a bright smile; 
• a genuine connection and compliment to the store clerks who are weary;
• an extra word for the harried and overwhelmed mother with her children out of school and in tow;
• drive a little slower and precisely, and ponder your gratitude for your life;
• a thank you to the worker who is cleaning or stocking, as you are out and about;
• hugs; 
• say “I love you,” to your family and friends - lots of times this week;
• stay the extra moment at the check-out and wishing a Happy New Year to the check-out clerk, and to the people behind you in line;  
• let the other driver merge ahead of you and smiling at him/her;
• say thank you lots and lots;
• Lasso the moon. Throw that lasso around the moon and pull it down!​

“Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~ Calvin Coolidge

As Charles Dickens said, Honor Christmas in your heart and work to keep it all the year.

Happy New Year, Beloved.