Christmas, Then and Now

A few years ago I wrote a bittersweet piece about the first year that I was separated, living apart from my children for the first time, and getting through the holidays. I republished the piece last year, and on both occasions I heard from a number of people who were coping with broken families and loneliness. Separation and divorce certainly can put a strain on what is supposed to be a joyous time of year, and indeed, for some, for many, it is the most difficult time of year. My holidays have gotten immeasurably better, and I wish the same for everybody who, like me, has struggled in the past.

I am not a religious man. I try to be respectful of the beliefs of others, and I try to smile pleasantly when someone lectures me on "the true meaning of Christmas". I am not about to be told, however, that I can't celebrate the warmth and fellowship of the season unless I adhere to a particular set of religious beliefs. Nor am I likely to waste much attention on people fussing over some kind of ridiculous quota system to champion their own favored holiday rituals.

My attitude is this: it's all good. Creche scenes on the town green? Fine by me, as long as they are privately funded. Public school choirs singing Handel's Messiah? Why not? It's great music. People celebrating the Winter Solstice? Ramadan? Chanukah? Kwanzaa? Even Festivus? If people are smiling, singing, dancing...I'm there.

Relax. Smile. Take it all in. Merry Christmas.

Nobska Point Light, Falmouth, Massachusetts