Holidays Around the Corner

Well, here we go again. In the United States, we have Thanksgiving in November,and in December,this following list of holidays:



December

5 - Ashura (Islamic, Muslim)

6 - St. Nicholas Day (International)

8 - Bodhi Day - Buddha's Enlightenment (Buddhist)

8-16 - Hanukkah* (Jewish)

12 - Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)

13 - Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)

16-25 - Las Posadas (Mexico)

25 - Christmas (Christian, Roman Catholic, International)

26 - Boxing Day (Canada, United Kingdom)

26 - Kwanzaa (African-American)


Gathering with friends and family is traditional, yet I enjoy the silent contemplation that comes along with the lull in the holiday time. I looked around me today and saw how many people were walking in the cold rain with little or no covering, and it made me think at how fortunate I am personally, and remember that I need to give beyond my own family, reaching out to others if they accept the help offered. Also, the help one offers does not need to be what they think is necessary, but what the receiver needs. Being mindful of the circumstance, and the needs within the circumstance are tantamount to offering and disbursing appropriate help and resources.