December may be the last month of the year, but it is one of the best. It is a time where we recall the days that have passed, bask in the beauty of today, and look towards the days to come. It truly is, as Andy Williams’ Christmas song puts it, “the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
But what makes this a time of wonder? As children, we were filled with the wonder and mystery of what Christmas beheld. How can reindeer fly? How will Santa know that we moved into a new house? How does he visit every child in the whole world? We anxiously awaited the arrival of Santa Claus and all the gifts we would receive. It was hard for us to fall asleep but easy to wake up early on Christmas morning.
When we grow up, we often lose the wonder of this time of year. Gone is the mystery and in comes the busyness, gift buying, holiday parties, wrapping, cooking, and the list goes on and on. Life piles up, and the years condense and blur together. As the pace increases, the pressure for the perfect day becomes demanding.
We encourage you to pause. Take a deep breath and allow the wonder of the season to once again fill your heart. May you remember that this is not just the season of Santa Claus, mistletoe, and shopping. May we remember the real reason this is a time of wonder. The gift of one another. The positive imprints we leave in each other lives as we are led to those who help us most to grow.
We also want to acknowledge that this may be a season that does not bring wonder but pain. While this may be a season of joy for some, it’s often a time of anxiety and depression for many. We are reminded of relationships that are strained, dreams yet unrealized, and past regrets. The holidays can worsen grief, but there is hope.
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives,” -It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s so easy to lose appreciation for what we have despite the obstacles. We forget the reverberations of small positive actions that accumulate into waves for a better world for everyone. Take a step back and count your blessings, and know that others are blessed because of you. Find the sublime meaning in ordinary moments. It’s not the value of doing “great things” but instead doing small things in a great way.
This Christmas savor the gift of one another. Renew your wonder in the season. We wish you peace, joy, and love for you and your family from us at Cris Carter Law.
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