December is complex. So many holidays, so many opportunities for celebration, festivities, concerts and parties, decorations, giving, and connecting. As Unitarian Universalists, we don’t just celebrate Christmas, we celebrate Hanukkah, Solstice, and Kwanzaa. That’s a lot of togetherness, storytelling, and giving.

But it’s also messy. As Unitarian Universalists, we don’t just get the Christmas Blues, we get the Hanukkah Blues, the Solstice Blues, and the Kwanzaa Blues too – because while these are in and of themselves are joyful celebrations of the coming light, they also emphasize a sense of togetherness that mean too many opportunities for family strife, for depression and loneliness, for mourning and struggle, when we can’t be together with those we love.

Like I said, it’s complex.

Even those who practically live for the holidays are not always jolly, cheerful, creative. And no matter what anyone says, it’s okay. For me, some years are more cheerful than others; I think if I am singing in a chorus in December, I get into the spirit earlier, but it isn’t always joyful.

But there is hope. We recognize the coming light in many forms – Emmanuel, the oil in the lamps, the rising sun, the love of community. It is heartening to know that the days will get longer, the light grows brighter, and hope is always on the horizon.

I  want to close with this meditation, written by Rev. Maureen Killoran, which says it better than I could:

 

‘Tis the Season…

…of advertisers run amok and ambitions amplified beyond belief

…of Martha Stewart moments mixed with desert island dreams

…when even the most dedicated holiday-hopper admits perfection isn’t possible and “good enough” is how the season ought to be.

‘Tis the Season…

…of post-inebriated Santas blocking with consumer guilt the way to one-too-many holiday-mad stores.

…when glad tidings of busyness keep from us the news that nostalgia ain’t what it was.

…when we deal with the gap between what we could/should be doing and what is possible in the reality of today.

…the season when all the dreams you’ve ever dreamed of being— but aren’t—return, reminding you of what you once could be.

For all this and more, I say to you (and to me)—

This is the season…

…for generosity of spirit

…for giving of the heart without counting cost

…for forgiving those who are not here or not here as we would need

…for gentleness with self and others

…for hope that love in presence or in memory will pay a healing call

…for conviction that the way YOU greet each dayspring is what matters after all.

 

Blessings, and may this holiday season bring Joy, Light, and Peace.

Kimberley