It’s that time of year when everyone is running around trying to finish up last-minute holiday shopping, fretting over holiday menus and meal prep, and stressing over holiday travel, all while Covid once again seems to be nipping at our heels. (PSA: Please get your Covid bivalent booster and flu shot ASAP if you haven’t already!)
Which is why I was grateful to just sit and finish the Times crossword while our Hanukkah candles burned Sunday night, the first night of the eight-day festival. It was peaceful and our home smelled delicious from the latkes Al was frying. And very good they were, too!
I still have a few small gift errands to run. I’ve also, in recent years, shifted from gifts to charitable donations for family members. I ask what they’d like me to support and then make a donation in their names. Everyone feels good, and there’s no risk of the gift being delayed or late, not fitting, or ending up on a shelf. And it’s easy to do.
Still, the frenzy can be contagious, which can be fun if you like all the stimulation. For my inner introvert, however, peaceful moments watching candles burn is more to my liking.
In the midst of all this, whatever your preferred holiday mode, it’s good to know that the Winter Solstice falls on this Wednesday, December 21. Which means that this Thursday, the days will start getting longer again. The difference may be infinitesimal, but in my mind, realizing we’re making the seasonal turn here in the Northern Hemisphere is always a huge.
And with that, I wish you, Dear Reader, a joyful holiday, whatever you celebrate. Let the light shine in.
Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.
Pat Bizzell says
Lovely picture of your lights! I also like the idea of charitable donations as gifts, but that won’t really do for young children at this time of year, alas. For the grandkids, we try to come up with experiences rather than things (like tickets to a museum, a sporting event or a play). It just always seems so ironic to me that the birth of Jesus is celebrated with an orgy of materialism. Even in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” one of my favorite holiday movies, the triumphant conclusion shows George Bailey being showered with cash. Not to mention Susy in “Miracle on 34th Street,” who (spoiler alert!) gets a whole house! Yes, “family values” are also on prominent display in these movies, which I watch every year in memory of my dear sister, with whom I shared them every holiday season until her passing. But I can’t help but notice . . . .
Evelyn Herwitz says
Quality time together is always a gift!
Ann says
Evelyn , I wish you & your family joy, love & peace this New Year.
Ann & her 7 lb Chihuahua Juno โค๏ธ
Evelyn Herwitz says
Thanks, Ann, same to you and Juno! ๐
Janet says
Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year ๐
Evelyn Herwitz says
Thanks, Janet. Same to you. ๐