WE NEED CHRISTMAS

I mean we really need Christmas! As we begin the final countdown to this special day, this country is suffering. Claire and I have lived through a lot. We have seen our country survive riots, war and financial meltdowns but never anything quite like what is going on now. I have never seen such feelings of anger, fear, betrayal and sadness as I have over the last year. All of the generations are joined in worrying about just making it and being able to afford healthcare, rent and food. All this within a background of widening economic disparity, increased racial tensions, betrayal by our elected officials, and two egotists threatening nuclear war.

We REALLY, REALLY need Christmas this year. Not the Christmas of increasing our debt and grudgingly participating in seasonal rituals. We need the true Christmas of love, faith and family.

Claire and I were blessed to be able to spend Thanksgiving in Minnesota with all our children and grandchildren. While we were there, she and I attended Mass in a Church across the street. The priest had just returned from Africa where he visited a village that their parish had been supporting. I fought the temptation to take a full bellied nap as he started his sermon, and in my comfort I heard one thing that really struck me. After describing what we would consider horrible living conditions, he said , “It was amazing that they had no realization of how poor they were. They had their family, food, shelter and faith and were able to celebrate and be happy.” What stuck with me is the realization that so many of our problems stem from not realizing how rich we are!

If I could hand out gifts, I would put three under every tree!

MINDFULLNESS

As I sat around the Thanksgiving table, I was full of gratitude that I had met this woman sitting next to me 47 years ago on a blind date. Together, we raised three children who have blessed us with six grandchildren who are the greatest joy in our lives. I am mindful that, despite their occasional differences, that my children believe in family so much that they all come together. Most of all, I am mindful of the importance to relish every moment, since one day there will be an empty chair.

GRATITUDE

We don’t need to make America great again! Despite all of its flaws and inequities, this is still the greatest country on the face of the earth. We are blessed with the freedom and opportunity that is not present in the rest of the world. Why is it that an impoverished village in can be so much happier than we who live in the richest country on earth? We get so stressed out chasing the perfect gift, finding the stylist to make our hair perfect, and having the most decorated house on the block that we forget what is important. Maybe we are the ones who need to learn from that village.

FAITH AND HOPE

We believe that the baby Jesus is God and was born to teach humanity how to live. You might not share that belief, but there is no denying that this Child who was born into poverty, suffered and died for his beliefs had an impact on this world that will never end. We hope that you can accept and use the power that you have as a member of the human race to improve the world for your children and grandchildren.

We wish you the most meaningful of Christmas seasons and end with a word of advice from a politician (something we NEVER thought possible)

“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

Calvin Coolidge 30^th President of the United States