In my youth Christmas meant grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles and all the cheery music and contagious laughter of the season. Christmas meant going to church and driving to Brooklyn and wearing velvet dresses. Christmas meant giving to everyone and was crowded with family all doing the same thing year after year after year until traditions changed and then it was something else for years more before it changed again to something different every year. But Christmas is a feeling that tingles like joy does. Small and quiet and then huge.

We all knew we had the very best Christmas Bell and were so lucky to have her at our table for every Christmas where ever it was but she did love the holiday best when we were in snowy Vermont and her only role was to regale us with her lore and traditions. Mom stories are never ruined by facts or shortcuts. Their only mission is to buoy the crowd. And our mother did just that being the best cheerleader on our team.

When holiday cheer comes easily, the short dark days brighten. Tis the Season, they say, with jingling bells and tapping drums and instant hohoho’s, all giving an effortless boost.

This morning we can strive to be our best self. For as a reborn Scrooge announces on Christmas morning, it is not too late to change. I am reminded of the living principles of Benjamin Graham. Each day do something foolish. Do something creative. Do something generous. Yes to each today, and all the days to follow.

May you feel a little lighter as you navigate these holidays. May you make merry!