CHRISTMAS CONTRAST: LONGEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

A Christmas contrast happens every year.

Whenever some adult says, “I remember when I was a kid. Christmas was different,” is just the start.

Different? Compared to what?

Was Christmas nicer?

This is a nice man with his wife, taking part in Christmas joy.

Where is his wife? Probably inside checking her list for a stylish mountain climbing expedition.

More rope? Check.

Headlight for night climbing? Check.

If you have time over Christmas, why not climb a mountain?

What mountain? Like you need to ask.

 

On A Dark, Foggy, Night

Santa gets it done better than a mailman.

 

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

 

Who else gets it right on one ’round the world’ night where everyone knows what they want and act grateful for what they get.

 

‘Did she say the red one? The white one?’

Or did she say she wanted a rugby shirt to match mine.

That’s it. Now where’s that rugby shirt store?

Maybe a new vest? She likes being twinsies.

If Christmas Eve is as foggy as last night there might be a mix-up in gifts?

“I’ll need to try it on. Come in with me.”

What sounds worse, a foggy night walk on dark streets, or a dressing room in a mall?

“You can always take it back.”

That was the closer for a Christmas contrast.

 

Something For The Beard?

“Wouldn’t you look good in a gold jacket?”

“I look good in any jacket.”

“You don’t have a gold one and I think it would look good with your holiday hair-do.”

“My what? This is what happens when I don’t shave since my high school reunion.”

“Since August this year?”

“That’s the one.”

“Gold would look good.”

“I don’t know where you’re getting that.”

 

Hidden Christmas Contrast 

This is the time of year to share what you’ve done for others.

And what others have done for you.

I’m not asking for a list, giving a list, or checking a list, but I am asking you to review what you’ve done for others without thinking, ‘But I could have done more.’

You did enough, and you’ll do enough again. It’s called doing your best.

Sometimes your best is better than your previous best?

Call it evolution, brother. All you’re doing is getting better and better.

 

Now think of what others have done for you . . . without the part about, ‘They could have done more.’

 Consider it like a choice: The black dress, or the silver.

If you’re a Raider family you get both.

As if that’s not more than enough.

The pink rig in back has some potential?

 

Maybe it’s a visit, a phone call, a text, an email; someone reached out to you and you were better for their effort.

That’s the sort of present that works all year long, not just for Christmas.

But the holidays reveal joy in special ways.

It’s not always about lights, colorful paper, and a pile of gifts under a tree.

Sometimes it’s a solemn occasion with no frills or frivolity.

Sounds like a humbug to me.

Why not rejoice?

Here I am rejoicing with a Belgium birthday present. Thank-you, Charlie. It was mighty fine.

So collect your thoughts for well wishes and babies and family and think about your goals.

Do you wish your dog played congas?

What’s the dog’s goal?

For the next day or so put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see how they fit.

Am I talking about the guy playing his guitar at a street light in the dark?

Or people living in sidewalk tents?

Am I talking about Gaza and Ukraine?

Yes. And I’m talking about family, the people you see most often; co-workers you used to see.

I’m talking about the ‘Of  course you know how I feel’ people.

Maybe they do, maybe they don’t.

You know what to do.