A Gift, for Me?

At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.-Lao Tzu

Like a comet, every so many years I find my orbit a bit out of sync with the rest of the world and I'm inclined and off on another tangent during the Christmas season. This is one of those years. It's Monday, December 22 and so far I only have one gift taken care of and that's only because my daughter-in-law helped me find a present for my son.

I'm not emoting Bah! humbug either, Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. But something feels different this year, almost as though Christmas has already gone by and the presents exchanged and hurriedly unwrapped, are waiting to be toyed with, worn or consumed.

It may be that all the wishes I made during the year pushed me into the Season of Gifting a little ahead of time. I found myself asking for many, many things this year and by my last count, I think I got them all. Everyone on my list is happy and well, on a new adventure or recovering from one. As the year comes to a close, it feels like a happy ending.

I have gotten so much better this year at envisioning successful surgeries, mended bones, resolved conflicts and safe journeys (around the world and/or passing beyond). In the coming year, I want more. I'm holding the vision of people everywhere, extending their arms to either give or receive whatever comfort is needed in these ambiguous times. My gift list has grown and I have only begun to shop.

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukah. Happy New Year.

Photo: Magda Indigo