What I Will Miss Most About Christmas

I was driving around this evening, on this next to last evening of 2023, and I saw many Christmas decorations still up. Outdoor lights, indoor trees. Lots of festive holiday cheer. Something we’ve grown used to since Mariah Carey first played on the radio at the beginning of the month. And I’m going to miss it when it all gets turned off and taken down in the next week.

Why will I miss it?

I think holiday cheer makes me feel that, for at least one month a year, we’re all in this together.

Yes, I recognize that we don’t all celebrate Christmas, so I’m not suggesting we do (or should.)

But when December 1 rolls around (or November 1 - I’m looking at you, Macy’s), there is a common feeling where we wish each other well for one month of the year. For one-twelve of the year, we can try to put aside our differences, thoughts about what separates us, and we can all focus on the string of holiday lights in the 7-11, or the silver garland at my dentist’s office. That, to borrow a phrase, is what Christmas means to me.

See you in 11 months.