I’m getting old, haven’t had a job in years, still using 401 money to get to 62, can’t sell the house in this market, can’t find toys that aren’t made in China, everything thing points to that song, “Is that all there is?”.

Then while listening to a couple of folk singers leading the crowd in various Christmas carols at a public market, it lands. Christmas, that is. I looked around and didn’t recognize anyone but my wife next to me, yet people seemed as though we were all in this thing called life together. I felt protective towards little kids running around with their fresh eyes and high energy. I noticed mothers with young daughters as they shopped, both happy to be with the other. I saw old men in cheap suits walking as if there will be another day. I saw young families sitting at tables eating and talking as all families do. I even sang softly with others as the overwhelming sense of belonging to the community of people gathered there that day. I smiled at anyone who looked at me and got back same by young and old alike.

America is alive and well. People are more like me than different. We are all in this together and I wish them all the best. These feelings are strange after months of depression and disinterest in life. Life is worth living even for someone with old tired eyes and a rusty soul. God bless the children, mothers and caring fathers, and all with kindness in their hearts.

I’m so thankful Christmas arrived. I needed the break from my reality. I need Christmas. I love Christmas. I love my family and I’m looking forward to Christmas Eve and the entire scene that goes with the next day. I wish it could last all year long, not the shopping, but the sense of happiness and belonging to the world, of good will towards others, and of the sense of hope that everything will be just fine for our children’s children.