I must admit, November was tough. Waking up to the harsh realities about our American political scene and the billionaire bros set to control our immediate future sent me right back to bed. When you add the atrocities raging around the globe I found myself both angry and sad, even dumbfounded, with gratitude out of reach. But as December rolled into being, I smoothed away my distemper and distain and distress by focusing on the small joys which are easy to spot during this month of collective cheer. Follow the strands of colored lights adorning every facade across the town, behold the bejeweled trees from pine to palm lighting up our dark afternoons, why even the ribbons of clouds overhead are a running reminder that December joy is right here in this sheeny now.

Whether you honor St. Nicholas Day, Bodhi Day, Yule, the Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day or are devoting December to your spectacular New Year’s Eve plans, there is cause to celebrate, over and over, if you wish. Imagine all that cheer and goodwill rippling around our globe, with so many splashing about in waves of collective delight, wow, like a well-needed global-reset to equal this holiday season chockfull of festivities to share with friends and family.

The night sky offers its own wondrous shimmer too. I invite you to look up, lighten up, and breath in the goodness surrounding you. Give yourself a break from the drama out of your control. For today, just shine amidst the darkness.