Holiday music and Christmas specials are filling the airwaves, jostling for our attention as we navigate this post-COVID "new normal" world that we live in. San Diego's Old Globe Theatre is presenting two favorites, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Ebeneezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show" -- favorites that draw in children and adults alike.
Memories of Christmas Past bubble up at this time of year: family and friends, darkness and cold weather, festive lights and inner warmth remind us of what we have... and may no longer have.
 |
| What do the holidays mean to you? (Photo credit: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss) |
The Grinch and Scrooge teach us of the transformation that can happen when we listen and consider:
- Why we remember important moments in our lives;
- The role family, friends and community have in shaping our beliefs; and,
- How we want to live and respect other traditions and peoples.
These stories suggest that even the meanest and most cold-hearted can change.
 |
| Where are we chained to in the Past? (Photo credit: Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol) |
But even in the midst of this holiday cheer, there may be feelings or struggles that challenge us: the frenetic energy and busyness of getting everything done; comparing What Was with What Is and wanting more; or missing people who are no longer physically present. Sometimes an emptiness pierces our well-being, reminding us... that we are human!
 |
| Is there a way to pierce the darkness with Light and Goodness? (Photo credit: Rare Cosmic Event Beamed Light to Earth..., CNN.com) |
What I have been learning at this holy time of year:
- Be Kind... to Self and Others.
- Listen and Consider... that we are all doing our best.
- I -- and We -- have Sacred Worth and Value.
Happy Holidays (Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Ōmisoka/New Years) as we celebrate Light, Birth, First Fruits, Gifting, and the Sacred in our world!
 |
| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
