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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2763-.html
Spiritual: December 10, 2008 Issue [#2763]

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Spiritual


 This week:
  Edited by: Kitti the Red-Nosed Feline Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Are you in a festive mood this year? How will you be celebrating the holidays? Are you looking forward to them or would you like them to be over and done with already? This week's Spiritual Newsletter is about the festive season.


kittiara


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

I suppose it’s inevitable that my Newsletter will somehow be related to the holidays. This time of year I tend to almost feel like a little kid… I love Christmas, I love spending time with people I care about, I love choosing little pressies and wrapping them up nicely… I love the general feeling of goodwill and how people seem that tiny bit warmer and nicer as the holidays come close.

This year it’s taking me a lot of effort to get in that certain holiday mood. I’m not sure why. I’m all but forcing myself to get excited about any aspect of it, and it’s not really working. Part of it is due to missing my overseas family – I always do in December. Part of it is possibly because, let’s face it, the world is not a merry place at the moment. A small part of it is because some of the people I will be celebrating with have a load more money than I do. I can only buy small gifts, and I’m conscious that whatever I buy, it won’t measure up.

As I pondered this Newsletter, I thought of how many people around the world won’t be celebrating Christmas. Some have different celebrations, which I am quite curious about and really should look into. I bet they’re just as wonderful and I am a bit embarrassed about my ignorance when it comes to these festivities. Other people won’t be celebrating at all, out of choice or otherwise. Some people might want to celebrate but won’t have anyone to celebrate with. Some people will be ill, some homeless, some too poor… It puts things in perspective. Christmas is not the be all and end all of the year. The world won’t end if I’m not in a festive mood, but I am lucky that I get to celebrate if I so choose.

It is true that the world isn’t a very happy place right now, but perhaps a nice celebration is needed. It’s not going to make any difference if I’m gloomy… the economy won’t improve, global warming is not going to be solved, people won’t stop being icky towards the other. What I can improve is the festive mood of those around me. By being happier I might just encourage more smiles and might make others feel good. That would make a difference, even if just in a tiny way. There’s enough time to be gloomy afterwards.

As for the financial stress… I guess people know what’s what and an iPhone does not make a better present than homemade cookies, or the ever handy soaps, socks and gloves. I’d like to buy posh presents, but, as the old saying goes, it’s not what the holidays are all about. Does that make me feel better? Not really, except that I am beginning to realise that I’ve fallen for the whole commercial trap. Must measure up. Must give people what they really should want, even though it’s way out of my league. I won’t, though. One thing I’m proud of is that I’ve never ever placed myself in debt, and I’m not about to start doing so just to buy Christmas presents. People will just have to be happy with what I choose for them… and I do always buy and make gifts from the heart.

I try to remember that this time of year is supposed to be a happy one. It’s not about stress, or greed, or commercialism. What it is about will always be relevant, no matter what the state of the world, no matter what in general. The holiday season is about love. Pure and simple love. When I remember that, I can’t help but smile and feel more positive already.

kittiara


*** As I mentioned above, I do not have much knowledge of or experience with holiday celebrations other than Christmas. I would love to read your items about these festivities - Google might be great, but personal accounts are the best *Smile*. So, if you would like to share, please feel welcome to send them in! ***


Editor's Picks

For this week's editor's picks, I've chosen a couple of fun activities, and some stories and poems that touched me. I hope you will enjoy them as I did. *Smile*

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 The Christmas Season Open in new Window. (E)
A Christmas message for everyone.
#589619 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon


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#788287 by Not Available.


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The Long Road Home Open in new Window. (ASR)
A Tennessee family finds the Spirit of Christmas
#786709 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


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#1041713 by Not Available.


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#1161392 by Not Available.




 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

The Spiritual Newsletter Team welcomes any and all thoughts, feedback, questions and suggestions. So, please don't hesitate to contact us!


monty31802 - Thank you for featureing the poem my Daughter wrote in reference to me as her hero.
I personally had a number of people I thought of as heros, many who I served with in the Army.
Thank you for the newsletter that got me thinking.

You're so welcome *Smile*. I'm glad you enjoyed the Newsletter.

~~~

Zeke Author Icon - You are so right about how fast time passes when you are on the downside of life's hill. The impact of my experiences with the people I have associated with in my life has been great indeed. That is the true treasure that life experience offers. Nice work.
Zeke

Thank you so much for your kind words, Zeke *Smile*. I appreciate them.

~~~

Wishing you a wonderful week *Smile*,

The Spiritual Newsletter Team:

SophyBells Author Icon, larryp, kittiara


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