Happy Holidays, to all of you!

Another year older. Another year (hopefully) wiser. On this Christmas eve, I offer a little bit of perspective. After all, the holidays are about the senses. Taste, for the delicious things we cook and are served in honor of our celebrations. Touch, for the hugs and hands we hold to ward away the cold. Scent, for the smell of the pine trees and candles and homebaked goodies. Hearing, for the sounds of welcome and the voices raised in celebratory song. Sight, for the vision of candles flickering, christmas lights blinking, and our friends and family so very close. But there's another sense (well, several, but I'm only dealing with this one), which is... that other awareness. The feeling that creeps up on you on cool, crisp mornings in dewy gardens, or standing in the midst of an endless blanket of snow, or standing in the hallowed energy of an ancient place.

The winter season is a cold one. It's a season that has always been hard for humans and that challenge is part of the reason why we have so many holidays to bring us together during this time of year. In the time before internet and central heating, we needed the comfort and willpower and wisdom of our fellows to survive the barren, freezing season. If you look deep in your heart, you'll find that need is still within you. At least, it is in me.

Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs, I wish you a warm, comforting, cheer filled evening tonight in honor of the longest night of the year.

And yes, I'm bringing back the old information about various holiday traditions. Maybe you'll read them and, like me, realize how very similar we all are. No more Christmas wars, friends. We're all just Whos in Whoville.

Celebrating Father Christmas

Celebrating Bodhi Day

Celebrating Christmas in Europe

Celebrating Christian Christmas

Celebrating Hannukah

Celebrating Saturnalia

Celebrating Kwanzaa

Celebrating Winter Solstice and Yule

I hope you enjoy learning about these different spiritual takes on the holiday season as much as I did. If you have more or more accurate information regarding any of these holidays, please contact me and share your knowledge so that I can make sure it's all appropriately educational.

Have a peace! Happy holidays!