... *that* time of year....

And its been a chore getting into the spirit of the season this year. Well, maybe a
chore isn't the right choice of words... I just haven't felt it. My Xmas spirit is at an
all-time low. Thankfully, it's not into the negative, rather just non-existent! Just goes
to show ya how subjective it all is.

However, I am grateful to my family and friends for sticking by me in a difficult year.
I have had tough years in the past, but none have felt so full of loss and sorrow...
Ironic for a year that started with such promise and happiness! But rather than
wallow in the disappointing and heart-wrenching aspects of the past, I am resolving
to see the positive and look ahead to the coming year with an open heart and mind.
And its so important to look to the great spiritual leaders of our time for the perspective
and lessons we need to learn....

And so, I give you Charlie Brown's Christmas tree.

When all the other kids wanted a big, gaudy, aluminum tree, and expected Charlie Brown
would bring back the "best one on the lot. Instead he brought back the homeliest, most
pathetic twig on the lot. Because it was the most "sincere". At first the other kids were furious
but when they gave it a little love, they transformed the little tree into a thing of beauty.
And it brought them all together.

And so it is with this year for me. On the surface, its been a horrible mess! But applying a
little love to it (and me) and forgiving us for our shortcomings might just redeem this mess
and turn it into a thing of beauty. The parable of Christ, whether you believe the religious
stuff or not, centers around loving one another, admitting our imperfections, and forgiving.
If we can see the beauty in that homely little tree within us and those we love, every day
can be Christmas...

Much love and happiness to all,

~Loki