Last December I wrote, “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.” When you think about it, is there anything better to concentrate on than sharing in collective delight? Quite seriously, that is just about all I can hope for, sharing this glittery and bright joy until we are all swept up. If you take a peek around, you will find nature agrees, bringing forth uplifting vistas and epic skylines perfectly.

One aspect winter holidays or celebrations, religious or secular, have in common, is light. Once the early dark settles in, strings of lights, colored or clear, fill our doorways or line our eaves, while candles don our dinner tables. In December, there is no limit to glitz or glam anywhere. Even the afternoon sky is ready with soft pastels to herald the short day’s end. Bring all the rainbow hues and starry shine, I say, for a mental pick-me-up is guaranteed.

Just about everywhere here in SoCal one can find red and green. In the bouncy blow-ups cheering in front yards or even in the garden blooms, from aloe vera to so many more. Our own little elf is continuously excited about his present moment but is also quite game to join in the festivities and pop on a Santa hat to brighten our day.

I am cherishing every gentle moment during this jovial month. Come January there will be time to lament what the felon in what remains of the White House has sullied. But for today let’s continue to spread the cheer. Light up a tree or a menorah, mull your own wine, spike the eggnog or raise some bubbly. Make a list of everyone you care about and write 100 cards to let them all know you do. On any random December day.