merry christmas to you all!

The past several years the only thing that excited me about Christmas were the presents. In fact the past 31 years to be exact. For my whole life the only thing that excited me was giving and receiving presents. To my credit as I got older it was mostly the giving that excited me but that was mostly to revel in what an excellent gift giver I was.

This year is different. I am not sure what I am so excited for but I know it has nothing to do with gifts. Though I am excited about those brightly colored packages there is something else that stirs in me.

It isn't presents and it isn't religion. people have been trying to get me on that train for years and I am sorry I do not have it in me. In fact this year I have regressed when it comes to religion and could classify myself as a dyed in the wool agnostic. I still believe in key fundamental things I was taught from childhood I just don't necessarily believe that god or Jesus are responsible for them. I am not sure any intelligence is behind it but my personal beliefs aren't the subject here.

I am discussing what makes Christmas exciting. The real thing that I am excited for I guess is the other people in my life. There so many people in my life that I love dearly and I am constantly amazed by their continuing love and affection.With these people in my life everyday is Christmas. Every time we hug or kiss or just compliment each other I feel the same power that used to come only from the promise of material goods.

I went to zoolights at point defiance with my new love in my life. To watch her face light up in the multicolored lights, to see how excited she was at every corner and every new exhibit, to laugh and hold one another in the festive celebration opened my eyes to the possibility that it isn't gifts or the promise of redemption. It isn't the celebration of religion or commerce that touches me this season. Its the other people in my world. It's their joy and their gratitude. It is and always should have been shared joy and love in all forms with those who are my friends and family that make my season special.

Not just my season...my whole life.

So sing the songs, open gifts, drink eggnog and hot chocolate with cookies and laughter, and have a Merry Christmas. Because you all deserve it. Just remember to stop and look at those people that make your life special and in that moment love them as much as you can, and if at all possible freeze that emotion for those people and keep it all year.

Love and Merry Christmas to you all.

With deep and abiding affection,
Gabriel