It's time to take a deep breath and put the suffocating troubles of the world aside. This includes the national political discourse that has jangled many nerves and frayed family and workplace relations. All of our psyches deserve a cease-fire, and the spirit of Christmas offers the perfect opportunity, regardless of religious beliefs. I know it won't be easy, especially if the horrors of the headlines are compounded by some personal trauma or addiction you're experiencing. But we all need to seek healing, if not for the whole holiday season, then at least for a day.
You might find what you need in the solace of prayerful services in your churches, synagogues or temples. That's because the message of Christmas is universal: peace on Earth and good will toward all. There's nothing sectarian here, only a "personal best" goal we should all aspire to. Also, in these eight simple words, there is the abiding hope that if we put them into practice, the peaceable Kingdom of God will be manifested right here on Earth.
Even if you are not of a religious bent, you can try this simple exercise. Take some time on Christmas between the opening of presents and the eating of special dinners to appreciate the small things that surround you. Begin with yourself and marvel at what a gift life is, how this sack of protoplasm that is your body works tirelessly day in and day out, and has been doing so since conception. Then, double back to your mind and think of what it enables you to do. You can appreciate the "here and now," but also all the days gone by. It even lets you anticipate all of your tomorrows, no matter how many are in store.
Next, consider all those in your life. If you are fortunate to be surrounded by family, deeply gaze at each of their faces and appreciate their unique physical qualities and personalities. You get a bonus if you have any babies or toddlers in the group, because then you get to experience through their eyes the wonder you felt as a child on Christmases long ago.
Think of all your friends and acquaintances and how they have enriched you, one link strengthening the next, and how you would be much poorer in spirit if not for their good will and helping hands. Don't forget those family and friends who are no longer with us but whose influence persists even today.
Then, try to appreciate the trappings of the season — the traditional sacred and silly songs; the holly and mistletoe; the glow of flickering candles and warmth of flaming logs; the brightly lit tree, perhaps with decorations made by now-grown children or inherited from older generations; the gaudy bows and paper and presents within, and the time-honored family dishes. It's a special blessing if the cook used the same recipe as your grandmother, mom or aunt, and its taste and smell can transport you back to a time and place when things seemed a lot simpler. In my own family, this takes place when my oldest sister makes my paternal grandmother's nut and poppy seed rolls from Slovakia.
Music can really be evocative and inspirational. We have a collection of Christmas tunes I put together on reel-to-reel tape from albums about 40 years ago. I since transferred this to iTunes. The mix is predictably heavy with Johnny Mathis and Andy Williams, though we welcomed Mariah Carey into the fold a few years ago.
My wife and I went to a recent performance of the talented Carroll Singers, who entertained all with a program of holiday selections. We were especially touched by a song titled "December Prayer." I'll leave you with a snippet of the lyrics and my sincere wishes for a happy, blessed and peaceful Christmas.
"In the strength of your hand as it holds unto mine,
"And the promise that we're not alone in this place and time,
"In the gifts that you give I am humbled and amazed
"Far beyond this day and time of year
"We are in a state of grace.
"Open your heart and look around, listen … listen."
Frank Batavick writes from Westminster. His column appears Fridays. Email him at fjbatavick@gmail.com.
