We are way past the commercialization of Christmas. With Christmas merchandise in stores before Halloween and Christmas music playing 24 hours a day by the first of November and Christmas movie marathons running for weeks on end, we have reached the trivialization of Christmas, as Martha so eloquently put it during a recent conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever been as blasé about Christmas as I am this year. No, let me correct that: I’m more blasé about the Christmas season than ever, but more excited about the Christmas spirit than ever. People use that phrase, Christmas spirit without giving much thought as to its actual definition. To me, it’s much less about Christmas gifts and much more about Christmas gestures and those can be handed out on June 25th as easily as December 25th.
I have received many such gestures this past year. People have given me their time in interviews, have read my blog and my books, have laughed with me, danced with me, played catch with me. There is no qualitative difference whether those gestures said, “You matter for the rest of my life” or “You matter in this moment.” It’s not “one size fits all”; it’s more like “all sizes fit one.” I am so grateful to have been that one so often.
It really is the thought that counts; the thought and the laughing, hugging, playing, listening. Every morning, we should rise and fill our sleighs with that stuff and hand them out where needed. Which is everywhere. We all want to know that we matter, even if it is just for the moment. After all, Life is but a series of moments. Thanks to the many of you who have made so many of my moments in 2014 feel like Christmas.
Austin Gisriel 
Well, Austin, you have certainly enriched the lives of many with many special “moments”. I’m wishing you just bundles of Christmas-spirit moments right now at this most sacred time of year (even though to outward appearance it doesn’t seem all that sacred) … AND continued special moments all throughout the New Year. Merry Christmas … in the best sense of the word!
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Thank you, Bonnie! May many “Christmas gestures” come your way as well.
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If everyone can keep “The Real Reason For The Season” in sight, throughout the whole year, which is not trivial by any means, we will all be truly blessed. God Bless you, and Merry Christmas!
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And to you and yours! Only two months and three days until Opening Day.
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Another year bless by your friendship. See you soon and let’s keep playing catch in the new year and for years to come.
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Amen on all counts! Travel safely.
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I wish you guys would include me in playing catch, their is still some life in this left hander!
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Any time! Maybe you can make the annual No-Timers Classic in July down in New Market this year!
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