Although I don’t celebrate it in the traditional sense, Christmas is one of my favorite holidays.
There is something magical that happens in New York City on Christmas Eve. Most stores and restaurants shut down for the holiday. The streets clear. A quiet stillness envelops the city.
I also appreciate how the season tends to bring out the best in people: there seems RJ be more kindness, patience, and compassion. More presence.
We might do well to remember that this light and joy, the presence we offer others, the compassion, the patience — all of it — is available throughout the year.
This state of being that we call the “Christmas spirit” doesn’t need to be tied to a calendar or the seasons. It has nothing to do with material gifts.
It’s a function of slowing down.
When we slow down our pace, we remember our own humanity and therefore our shared humanity.
It’s that simple.
By slowing down, we can have the Christmas spirit all year.
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