May the joys and spirit of Christmas remain with you every day of your life. To those who fret about Christmas, if you think that the celebration of Christmas has become so materialistic, it is probably because that is the way you celebrate it. So this Christmas season, go back to the real meaning of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If this is why you celebrate Christmas, then everything else don't matter much. You should enjoy them but the gifts, the food, music, scents, parties, decorations, lights and sounds are mere icing, spice or garnish. If you celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, it never changes with the times. It is not influenced by economics, not by politics or political correctness, not by fads. Celebrating Christ is never about what others think they ought to be or how they ought to be. It is your own personal spiritual journey with God. Merry Christmas to all!
To all my friends who will be celebrating Hanukkah soon, may the light shine with you forever.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
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Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata"
