Embracing the Essence of Christmas

Gatherings, Solitude, and Choosing Joy

Dec 15, 2023

Reflecting on Singularity

Hi there,

I have felt, in recent days, the urge to gather with friends before Christmas. Each of us is a singularity. The chances of our ever having been born are infinitesimal. And yet, here we are, against all the odds, alive here and now, for the blink of an eye. Our time on earth is fleeting.

Friends raise a toast together, diners' arms raised and wine glasses, with red wine, touching, friends seated at a table, eating a meal, a Christmas tree in the background — Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

Celebrating Connections

It’s good for us to gather and celebrate. To invite and be invited, to chat, to listen, to laugh, to touch, to eat and drink together, to create, to play. To feel the warmth of a welcome, human to human; maybe even the glow of a hearth. To remember past Christmases and to create new happy memories this one.

three woman gathered around a table with food, chatting, smiling and sipping wine — Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

Embracing the Present

To be alone, too, and not to fear to be alone. To be attentive to the self, so that we can be our true selves with others and live without masks.

silhouette of a person standing alone in the distance outdoors during sunset, the sky blue but darkening, an orange glow on the horizon. — Photo by lee Scott on Unsplash

This Christmas, this mid-winter, could be our last. It could be our best, our happiest ever too. We choose.

black & white photo of a man, possibly in his 60s or older, dancing with a woman, perhaps his grown daughter; both with authentic smiles. — Photo by John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash

Have a happy Christmas!

Joe

P.S. If you’ve read my second memoir, Saved by a Woman, please give it a high rating on Amazon or Goodreads.com. Thank you.

Buy Saved by a Woman

Buy In My Gut I Don't Believe

Joe the Human

Discussion about this post