If we take a step back and look at the meaning behind what Christmas and the rest of the holidays were created for, we might gain more value out of the experiences connecting ourselves to sacred spiritual traditions of the ancients, of a time when the spiritual reality of existence was far more significant than the material. This is my take on what the holidays mean for me now in my practice of living a more spiritually enlightened lifestyle, and I encourage you to examine what the holidays mean to you as well, not just in the gross as an external pageant, but as a deeply intimate experience of personal and universal revelation. As I move through the day, it can often become rather easy to become lost in the tidal wave of sensations, emotions, thoughts, words, and actions that seem to happen rather automatically. It can be rather difficult to step back and take a breath, to rest before the next activity starts, because it always seems there is so much to do and so little time if I am focusing on the checklist of “Success.” However, I can not ignore the discomfort, pain, and suffering that I experience as this list goes unfulfilled in some respect, if that gift is not bought, or that tree is not decorated, if this charity is not donated to, or those holiday clothes are not picture perfect enough. Some of that is an exaggeration for me, but some of it is all too true. What it comes down to for me is remembering that things are OK, with each new breath we receive a new birth in a way, an new moment, and a new chance at life, which in itself is enough of a reason to celebrate and be happy. Regardless of what that moment brings, it is still a sacred blessing by its very existence. Wouldn't it be nice to have an external reminder of this internal truth that is happening all the time right in our own lives, with every breath we take?
As a practicing Christian, I have reflected on the mystery of Jesus Christ's birth for as long as I can remembering, and so I connect Christmas with Jesus and a new hope for a new beginning, one of health and healing, a path to joy and happiness. What is required for this journey? Simply your presence, your willingness to live life, which is expressed in the breath you take moment to moment, and a movement through life to the light. This is my experience, and this is not to say that at times it is not a long and winding path through rather dark and gloomy regions, but I walk toward the light simple because my eyes compel me to travel where I can see, and the breath gifts me with the chance to see this light, a light over and over again, a new hope, a new beginning, found in the light of the world. So regardless of any particular understanding of scripture or the culture that surrounds Christianity or the commercial form of Christmas, I prefer to look at things as simply as possibly. I do my best, moving to the light with a new sense of hope in every breath I take that I may finding healing and happiness beyond my suffering and troubles. This is the true meaning of the holidays for me, and more particularly, Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Love, Peace, Hope, Happiness, and many Blessings to you, my friend! May your Christmas and all other days bring you peace and life! Aaron :-)