My good friend Jeff tells me what the Native Americans said about a good day: A Good Day to Die. A thought that at first seems questionable…but it grows on you. So it goes with finding the nuances of Christmas.

Christmas is hidden in the eyes of others. Seeing the reflection of their dreams is inspiring. There are soft lights in the window. Joys from the past and hopes for the future. Begin again. We learn from our Christmases. Each builds upon the last. New life brings new hope.

Gifts given food shared time spent together. Who listens. When we hear another’s heart…we have received a marvelous gift.

‘Happy Holidays,’ said the Store Manager. ‘We know you have many choices in retail shopping and appreciate your patronage,’ Store Manager said with a plastered grin. ‘Here is a complimentary peppermint candy for your baby, SM said with a blank stare.

‘It just does not feel like Christmas this year,’ Jane said. ‘I look for it in the eyes of people I meet but mostly their eyes reveal anxiousness and stress,’ Jane continued. ‘There is so much to do and so little time to do it in,’ Jane bemoaned.

‘Come with me to St. Judes Hospital for their annual Christmas Cookie Sunday,’ Chet said. ‘The kids are wonderful with their parents drinking in their every move and gesture,’ Chet said with a twinkle in his eyes. ‘I have been going for several years it is the height of my Christmas Season,’ Chet said with a little dance…

‘You are so pretty,’ Little Girl said to Jane. ‘My doll has pretty hair like yours…I comb it every night,’ LG said. ‘I helped make the chocolate chip cookies…please help yourself,’ Little Girl offered with a beatific smile.

‘Are you Santa Claus,’ Little Boy asked? ‘Your belly is little and round like Santa,’ LB laughed. ‘If you are not Santa I bet you are one of his elves,’ Little Boy said with happy eyes.

‘Will you be my big sister,’ Little Girl asked Jane? ‘We could be pen pals,’ LG winked. ‘Will you sing a Christmas Carol with me,’ Little Girl asked…

‘Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy Infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace…Sleep in heavenly peace…’