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The Magic of the Holiday Season

The holiday season appeared so quickly, it seems like it was just Halloween. I'm sure that the commercialization of the season has helped to give this time of year it's frantic pace; but that is a topic for another time. I've struggled this year to get into the spirit of the season. Hard economic times weigh heavy on my mind and the burdens and worries of everyday life make it hard to recreate the joyful holidays I experienced as a child. Times when I'm sure my parents sheltered me from their own worries during the season. Reflecting on this I began to realize that maybe that is the true magic of the season, the selfless acts of our family and friends around us?

Of course I can find creativity in this magic and generosity, even in our current times. After a recent conversation with a friend, I was so impressed with how their family is handling their own tough times. With work hard to find and children that are excited and filled with holiday joy, these parents; with the help of Santa; have found ways to stretch their finances and create a Christmas for their kids that is filled with surprises. My own employment search has affected my holiday mood and has been filled with hope and disappointments. However, I have appreciated the gift of reconnecting with my creative side that was only partially being used. I truly believe that we all benefit from creativity in many aspects of life. Being involved or surrounded with creativity can shed a new light on even the most technical or mundane practices.

There is creative magic in many of the origins of this holiday season. Whether you believe in the festival of lights and it's symbolic rededication to Jewish survival and identity; or you believe in the miracle of Christ's birth, God's son born on earth to lead Christianity; both of these events are miracles that inspired faith and a dedication to creatively spreading the word of these beliefs. There are secular beliefs that are just as important to the holiday season in Santa and Kwanzaa. Santa's true origin is only known by him, however his modern day legend and current persona have been inspired by a combination of social, historical, and artistic influences creating the way Santa exists today. Kwanzaa's seven days of celebration is a soul-searching holiday celebrated by people of African descent. The spirit of the holidays is present in the daily remembrance of the seven principles inspiring devotion to family, culture, community and creativity. All these beliefs culminate in a month long season where soul searching and consideration of others is paramount to a fulfilling experience. Our inspiration from the world around us leads us to create a positive outlook on how to proceed into our next year.

I hope that whatever your beliefs and however you celebrate this season; you can draw upon your own experiences and the experiences of people around you; good or bad; and create a positive and fulfilling outlook to put into motion in the new year.

* Christmas design by Janet Pahlau for Sisters of Poor Clares Greeting Card.
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