The Spirit of the Holidays
December is red and green, decked out in brightly colored lights and sparkling ornaments adorning decorative Christmas trees. The holiday season has arrived and in Idaho, snow is forecast, and we enjoy watching the mountains and valleys becoming a winter-white paradise.
Despite the Idaho cold, there is excitement in the air as the spirit of the holiday warms our hearts and captures our imagination. The rituals of sending cards, finding perfect gifts for friends and loved ones, and planning holiday meals add to already packed and busy schedules. Memories are made every holiday which we carry with us from early childhood to old age. We remember a special movie, a favorite meal or family gathering. Families and friends come together around a Christmas tree hanging ornaments until all the boughs are decorated.
Around the nation and the world, other holidays are celebrated during the Christmas season, including Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the “festival of lights”. Yule celebrates the winter solstice, the year’s darkest day. Kwanzaa is week-long holiday that honors African-American heritage. Bodhi Day celebrates the day when the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment, and Saint Stephen’s Day (also known as Boxing Day) commemorates the first Christian martyr.
No matter what you celebrate, the holiday season is a great time of year to connect with family and friends. And, it is written, it is better to give than receive. So why not give the gift of The Fire She Set—buy it, read or listen to it and share it with others. And may your holidays be bright and merry!
