Seasonal Overload

We take this season...be it Yule, Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwaanza, etc...rather for granted thanks to the commercialism and media attention given to the "traditional" (a.k.a. Hollywood). Tonight, with the presents unwrapped, the pets playing quietly with their toys, the tree aglow, and dinner in the oven, it's rather nice to look back over the past few days.

It was our first true Yule celebration together--a quiet exchange of meaningful gifts honoring our individual Paths and a solitary bit of quiet ritual to say farewell to the darkness in expectation of the light. And, thanks to having step-daughters and, yes, buying into the commercialism like everyone else, we also honored the familial aspects of today with presents, the watching of "White Christmas," and a lovely meal. Then, since the children are back with their mother, the two of us honored our pre-established tradition and went to the movies.

Driving home just now, it dawned on me just how much more meaningful THIS year actually was. The children were happier this year without overindulgence (lots of activities celebrating the Season's riches--ice skating, hot cocoa by the fire, holiday light displays, etc)...the two of us finally found real meaning together in the season without all the hype (commercialism notwithstanding)...and, somehow, even though I've been a solitary for years, it was "more" this year.

There's a calm tonight....he's in his chair, I'm on the couch, the pets are grumbling amongst themselves about "rights" to the various toys and blankets they got. It's nice. It's a new moon...new beginnings...new calendar year pending. And, new fun just around the corner....

So, in the spirit of the Season (in whichever you choose to partake) and in the softness of the promise of moonlight, Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again.......

See you in 2009!