Christmas can be a day of such mixed emotions, which is why I selected Agnes Pahro’s quote to accompany this newsletter, and Christmas 2020 may be particularly challenging for many.  Here are my thoughts about each part of her quote.

Tenderness of the past – There are people I miss.  There are traditions I miss. Yet, when I think of them, I smile.  I smile because I remember the joy associated with the loved ones who are no longer here and the moments of tradition that are a part of my past.  I try to focus on the happiness, rather than the pain.

Courage for the present – We have to continue to persevere.  Christmas is not just a day – it’s a state of mind.  Gratitude, kindness, generosity and joy can be our guides for this Christmas and the year ahead.  Find the courage to pursue joy for yourself and for others.  We need it now more than ever.

Hope for the future – While it is a crazy world we live in right now, I do have hope.  Hope for peace.  Hope for open minds and open hearts.  Hope that we are good to one another.  Hope that each of us realizes our dreams.

And I leave you with another one of my favorite Christmas quotes courtesy of the Polar Express, “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”