Christmas Cheer

"Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart." - Washington Irving

The air fills with joy the closer we approach Christmas Day. It is an ever increasing sense of something greater. You see it in the faces of those at home and work. It radiates upon the faces of people you meet on the street or as you shop at the store. It is a developing glow of excitement.

Yes, Christmas cheer spreads like a dry summer wildfire, capturing the hearts of everyone.

In the famed Dickens story of Mr. Scrooge, his heart becomes filled with the spirit of Christmas. His heart gave out a cheer and covered everyone he met with it. In this time of giving both gifts and money, it is also a time of giving good cheer.

As Mr. Magoo sang in his adaptation of A Christmas Carol, "Ringle, ringle, coins when they jingle, make such a lovely sound. Give them away and nobody can rob you." Not only is Mr. Magoo speaking of money given to charity and those in need, but of heart and good will.

We each have so much inside us we can give to others which will brighten their day. We can not be robbed of these things, we can only give them away, freely, generously. By simply 'being in the season' and 'being of good cheer' becomes a gift that puts a smile on someones face.

It is a gift that you can give at any time of the year. We just happen to be more aware of if during this holiday season.

Spread cheer to those you encounter.

Spread cheer to brighten the day of others.

Spread cheer to warm your heart in this season of celebration.

And stay inspired my friends.

A Little More Cheer

On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.~George Gordon Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage

This particular day in this particular year, it is the Friday before Christmas week. Many folks will be taking the week off, travelling to family and generally winding down.

This time of year also marks the celebrations, the parties, the food and the wine. We overindulge a bit too much on the food, the spirits and spending as well. I would ask that you be careful in your overindulgence. Be careful of the drink and the drive afterwards. Watch the food and your weight by exercising moderation.

I say all of this because I want to see each of you in the new year. I want to be able to walk our paths together. I want us to grow old together.

This time of year is also a time when we love a little more. It is a time when we are a little more forgiving. It is a time when we are a little more giving. It is a festive time, a joyous time and one that marks our memories with happiness. Life seems to be just a little easier.

So enjoy this time of year and remember how it makes you feel; remember how it makes others feel. Then try to stretch that feeling out into the new year just a little bit further.

Your walk will be lighter, the wind will always seem to be at your back and the sun will warm your face. Have a great Christmas and Holiday season everyone.