One of my favorite movies of the holiday season is almost any version of A Christmas Carol.  Dickens wrote the story of Scrooge as an indictment of the greed and heartlessness he witnessed firsthand in Victorian England.   Scrooge is the ultimate hard case, selfish, materialistic and cold to the core.

But despite the titanium-like armor over his heart, he had a revelation. The overwhelming goodness around him won out; in fact, he practically had a seizure from all that joy.

One of my Facebook friends posted that she was rushing to put stamps on all her Christmas cards before the post office closed.  A complete stranger came over to her and took half the stack to help her finish in time.  We hear about people who surprise those in need with a new furnace, or fix up their car.   Those Toys for Tots commercials make me tear up, when we see little kids waking up to find gifts under their pathetic Charlie Brown tree.

These kind of impulses are what make the holidays so wonderful.  When I look at the lights up and down my street, I feel peaceful.  They serve as a beacon out into the Universe, reminding us that we humans have an endless capacity to shine.  Every tiny act, every smile or small courtesy affects both the receiver and the giver, and has some pretty positive blowback: it’s the antidote to a bad day, bad news, frustration and despair.  Kindness of spirit is literally magical.

So, like Scrooge, lets try and remember that this beautiful season should live in our hearts 24/7, 365.

This is from my girl, Joni Mitchell.  A reminder to send out a little light even when its not Christmas.

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