Happy Holidays

Every year at the holidays, my full family gets together at one of our respective homes and celebrates the many traditions we have embraced.  Some of these are family based, as – for example - the Doulides and Weilfaert parts of the family have brought Greek and Belgian traditions to the table. Some are completely other traditions (I grew up celebrating Christmas, but am now an active Jew).  Hence the holiday season extends longer, the menorah is lit, latkes and cookies are made, trees are decorated, gifts are exchanged, and there is much, much food.  It took some time for all to understand each others’ traditions and move from resistance, to accommodation, to shared celebration. However, the years have brought much learning and increased joy.

There are other activities as well. Each of the families has their own tradition of giving back in some form – through their community or through their workplace.  We look out for and talk through the needs of each others’ families.

We also have other reminders of how lucky we all are.

Mom is a Judge, and is often called upon during the holidays to sign papers to intervene in family matters in her jurisdiction.  Sometimes it is a family court matter, and sometimes it involves the involuntary commitment of an individual who desperately requires mental health intervention. Whatever the case, the numbers curiously seem to spike at the holidays.  Maybe this is coincidence, or perhaps it is not.

And so, I take this short opportunity to wish you Happy Holidays.  Ideally, I should like to wish you greetings and good cheer, warmth and light, love and joy for whatever tradition is dear to you.  Our time on this Earth is short indeed, and there is much to do to leave the place at least in as good shape as we found it.  To find a neighborly way to celebrate the seasons with each other seems to not be a bad way to start.  As such, I hope you will accept my greetings, find some rest and peace, and I will look forward to speaking with you all in the new year.   

Chris Steele is a husband and a father of 2 children in the Newton Public School system.  He is also an economic and community development consultant as well as an activist and volunteer.  You can contact him at steelch@yahoo.com