Every holiday we are assaulted to “remember true meaning”. Patriotism, religion, whatever. But the “true meaning” really is exactly what is signified today _ not its magical or historic baggage.
For example, Christmas and New Year, the end of year holidays in the northern hemisphere. Its beginnings are “truly” reflective _ beginning in the murky Neolithic before long written memory began _ marking solstice and the gradual return of the sun. Celebrating survival of another yearly cycle. Enjoying companions now present. Remembering those departed.
Several thousand years of monotheistic religions have piled wooly mythology onto this ritual. With the vast uncertainties in the world today, a lot of Americans, in particular, find such stories easy and comforting and a useful guide to life.
But “true meaning” is that this holiday is a celebration of life and family. Another trip around the sun, another cycle of seasons. Back where we began 365 days ago, much the same but different _ we are at least older, sometimes unrecognizable.
It is the proper time to be nostalgic and grateful and a little more aware of family and friends. Tampered by the frantic rush and sometime anger of what did not work out as planned. That depth of feeling is also “true meaning.”
Forget the media and political sloganizing. Time to embrace the cold, ro look to the future, ro appreciate the present, and ro be grateful for this moment of existence.
And to prepare for yet another cycle. Which is never simply a cycle.
Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 