As it gets closer to Christmas and the New Year, I noticed that I have been saying “I can’t believe it” a lot lately. From little things like gaining 5 additional pounds to bigger things like seeing how much everything has gone up in price. Things seem crazier than usual for this time of year. Have you noticed?

Prices for everything have gone up, either due to supply chain issues or inflation. Everyone is struggling and no one is able to climb out and get help and it is looking as though it is only going to get worse. We are not even able to supply common medications for children’s infections without relying on China and India. Our borders are being overrun without any concern for who is being let in. We are in a very bad place right now.

I am not saying to close your eyes to the mess that surrounds us; but instead, do what you do best. Donate your time, take a few gifts to a donation site or take them to your church and ask that they be given to a family in need. Serve dinner at the local shelter, or drop off some extra blankets to the person you see sleeping on that park bench or walking the street with a shopping cart. Do what you can to give some joy, some hope, some holiday spirit to those who may not have any fight left.

Even though things are difficult right now, most of us still try to bring home that Christmas spirit, the warmth that the holiday affords us. The fact that most of us still try says that we are bigger than all this stuff that invades our spaces and our minds. So, we put up the tree, hang the lights, light the menorah, pick up gifts, plan our menus and reach out to our loved ones no matter what we are going through. We need this holiday season now more than ever.

This holiday I am going to try not to dwell on those who are no longer with me; but rather I am going to focus on those that I have left. I plan on reading more and taking quiet time wherever I can. This is a wonderful time to reflect on what is truly important, what can be changed and what can be salvaged. It is a time to put away our egos and view things from other perspectives. To forgive. To love. To open our arms and our homes. To watch some good old fashioned movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, because it really is wonderful, even with all the turmoil going on around us. I am so grateful for all of the blessings the good Lord has brought to me and that is what this season is all about.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa and a joyous time surrounded by family, love and blessings.

Peace.