CHRISTMAS HAS COME AND GONE...PHEW!

While random Google hits land on this blog at several day, more than any one subject, the hit is usually about Nikos Kazantzakis who has, written on his tombstone: I want nothing, I fear no one, I am free. I am particularly struck today, the day after the most material Holiday, that those words are wasted on so many people.

The day was to me, not the material things that were given back and forth by loving people for one another; often an expression of knowing what would please that loved one, but that was second to the joy of eating together and sharing ourselves. Sadly, in some families, members don't speak to one another or they bring up the worst of the past which can't be changed. Some argue for their points of view to be followed by everyone, and generally make the social occasion unpleasant Our dinner had all of the positives and none of the negatives as well as being a wonderful feast. We clearly experienced the 'spirit of Christmas' to its fullest, regardless of the varying and diverse religious beliefs of those present. To some, the day represents the birth of Christ; to others it is a day free from having to go to work. It can be spent making others happy by showing how much they mean to one another, and further demonstrate those feelings by their interactions and words.

Email and telephone were the major modes of communication for the day to me. to and from. Loved ones are continents (or often) many miles away, but a phone call has them touching us. The inner warmth engendered by being remembered by those far away, even fairly nearby, is unequaled to receiving the Christmas card that has printed Seasons Greetings and just a signature with no message. While that is a statement of being thought of, it costs a lot of money for the card and the stamps but has only the simple message that I was thought of.

The exception to that is when people send pictures of their children or something else very significant from their lives though, it too, can be done by email. Isn't the whole object to reach out and touch people in any way that is meaningful?