If Santa (Or other inspiration real or imagined, divine or human) can be in so many places at once, maybe we can be too..stay heart-centered and each day will unfold in magical ways with gifts of its own to share with others...

The spirit of this season as a Target Ad and others on TV are touting can be on of L-O-V-E. Another theme is M-O-M and  C-H-I-L-D which of course includes on some level D-A-D and thus F-A-M-I-L-Y. Many add to that the divine or G-D and others do not but  often speak of SPIRIT and if not that, COMMUNITY and NATURE. So what are you connecting with this season of winter wonders and gatherings?

Sidewallk strolls whether with horse carriage rides (as in Kent CT), New England Main Street Yuletide and Holiday Festivities such as in Stockbrige MA and Great Barrington  MA as well as  most town centers having a Christmas Tree Lighting and a Hannukah Menorah as in Sharon CT? Plenty of folks will note the winter solstice, the longest night of the year with a candle lighting, singing and good food and friendship in person or online or both. Pace yourself  with the 'less is more' theme and choose one or two highlights each year, going easy on presents or preparing some years, doing more of a decoration effort or outings another, seeing people close to home or at services another or doing a bit of each knowing next year you can catch up on other things..or keep celebrating in your time through the following month if not a holiday in the summer to enjoy the benefits of warmer weather and longer travel without challenges or crowds one may have otherwise.

 Then there is Kwanzaa which is mainly for African Americans from the week after Christmas on December 25th (which most realize is an agreed upon day to mark the birth of Jesus whether as of significance to history or as a Savior or Messiah that the Jewish people had predicted but did not accept as such, not believing it was possible or that he was the one.

Some like Derek Prince Ministries hold that until more people, including Jews in Jerusalem consider the possibility, that the fullness of the power of a Messiah won't be able to do the 'saving' of the world. As goes Jerusalem, some hold, so may go the world's fate. That is a serious set of beliefs, not too unlike the Muslim view of a singular path of living to please the divine. Both promote marriage yet few put safeguards in place for  women and children even in these modern times.

The ways of honoring the human condition, body, mind and soul (which many argue does not exist and yet quantum physics may indicate something beyond the physical realm to human consciousness is likely if not provable.) It is highly likely most people are not sure what they really believe or what anyone is really 'arguing about'. But most people agree there is a lot to argue about and that can be left to folks in the media or in politics to sort out. There are not too many ecumenical councils in any faith group to clarify where they agree or disagree. Maybe climate change will unite more faiths to find ways to preach some of the  practical points about sustainablitity to their congregations. I hoped tha would be the case about 10 years ago. Same with schools or towns or any other natural social networks people have.

Learning to help each other navigate these times socially, culturally and ecologically are all very important. Braving a healing and helpful set of practices to connect and care are themes in most faith groups and around holidays. Cooperation is key and yet, again, we sometimes overlook the benefits and hope people will keep manifesting  good traits and habits 'just because'. Let's take time to accept it may be a long haul to figuring out what really divides us but insist on respect and fair treatment of all groups who are abiding by civil laws. Thinking bigger and more openly can allow a community conversation and helpful guidelines to become a gift to one and all, one ready to be given and received in the spirit of commaraderie. May such experiences brighten each season of the year and of one's life in all directions near and far and under a shining  star.