Surprises - a season of the unexpected

 

Yesterday I received this year's ornament,  hand made in glass by friend,  George.  The ornament accompanies a lovely letter updating what George and Jacki have done for the past year.  Each ornament is a delightful surprise, but the accompanying letter is an affirmation that even in difficult times as we now are in, we can still find moments of joy.  They are blessed with family members close by and two wonderful young grandchildren who make their hearts full.  There is something about December and the various holidays--whether Christmas or Hannukah, Kwanza or  other celebrations -- that makes the days special. A lot of the holidays are focused on children, but  I think there is something we never outgrow, no matter how old, when it comes to happy anticipation during the holidays.  Socrates wrote, "Surprises are the joy of life."  (At least according to the Internet he did.)  This month, December is full of surprises that more often than not bring a smile.  Below is a photo of the beautiful Christmas ornaments I have received from George over the past few years.  One is missing because I was clumsy one year and dropped one of the ornaments.  So now they are carefully displayed and wrapped just as carefully to be pulled out the next year.  Current ornament for 2025 is in the upper left corner.  George is a wonderful craftsperson with glass and I have been able to purchase as well as receive as gifts many of his jewelry creations and I love them all.  I appreciate his talent in creating beautiful works of art out of glass.  The photo below does not do justice to the unique beauty of each ornament.

I hope that December brings only happy surprises for anyone reading this post, but I also know this is not an easy time of year for too many people.  So, if you know someone who is struggling, maybe reach out and surprise them with some act of kindness, which no matter how small, will make you and them feel better.    If you are the person struggling, I will hope that someone touches you and connects in a kind way this month.   I know it is unrealistic to expect that everyone reading this post is feeling joyful this month.  I will hope that somehow, someway, each of you can find a simple moment of joy at some point during the month.  If you are the person struggling, may you find a person or a community that can lift you up and wrap you in some warmth.  Namaste.