Our little person is really excited for Christmas this year. We have not introduced her to religion in any sense, and what she understands of Christmas is very pagan: Santa and lights and fun. "Christmastime is coming!" she will say at any odd time, looking me in the eye, her eyebrows raised for emphasis. She makes no mention of gifts, and she has no expectations of anything other than a special time of year. Her older sister is home from college, the house is decorated, the neighborhood is illuminated.

Regardless of which, if any, religious or cultural observances we make this time of year, we of all faiths and backgrounds can share an enthusiasm and a moment of gratitude as we close one year and begin another. If we are lucky, we have the very special and priceless gift of a little bit of time for ourselves and our family and friends, and even some rest and a little self-indulgence, perhaps followed by a resolution or two as the New Year breaks into being... 

So I look forward in these next two weeks to spending quality time, really present, with my family and children. I also look forward to more time for myself -- to exercise, read, write, relax. Maybe I will fall asleep on the couch next to the fireplace, waking up and realizing that all I've missed is the end of a game. I will read in a comfortable chair while the girls have tea. Tee and I will stay up late, maybe, and watch television of dubious value. If Tatum shows up one night at our bedside, I will not worry about how many hours I have to sleep. Much of this is mundane. But it is, in my book, no matter your religion or culture, part of the light and true gifts of the season that I look forward to.

We at our house know that Tatum will enjoy some gifts, but that is not our focus. Whether we as families exchange gifts as part of Hannukah, Christmas, or any winter holiday-time rituals our families may have adopted, this time of year for many has become a season for offering material testaments to our relationships. But I believe that what most of us really are yearning for each December is an exchange of hope and love.

Many of you, I'm sure, will find a way, in lieu of gifts, to make someone else's holiday more complete, perhaps by volunteering, or by "adopting" a needy family. Some may donate to a cause rather than exchange gifts. Many of us will focus on gifts for our children, knowing that the mystery of Santa is real magic. That is the holiday spirit, and that sort of giving is the light and the warmth of our humanity issuing forth in this darkest and coldest time of year. Regardless of what holidays or traditions you may be celebrating during our winter break, I hope that your family considers reaching out in spirit -- to others less fortunate, and certainly to one another. Let peace and love shine!

Happy holidays!