December is the ideal month of the year to convert holidays into holy days. For my wife Ruth and I, life itself is holy. However, this last month of the year affords a special opportunity to balance the tumult of December parties and gift shopping with sacred activities. Let my explain why (“y”).
December, the year’s darkest month, offers an optimal period to introspect. You can reflect on how you are doing toward accomplishing your core life purpose and other goals. During this time you can also consider which character traits you feel good about and those (your shadow) that you’d like to enhance. Along with February, December is a key love month—a fine time to take your pulse with regard to your family, friend, acquaintance, and colleague relationships. Furthermore, this month is very conducive to inner healing.
Juxtaposed against the long nights of December, is a lot of luminosity, both internally and in the environment. Amidst pervasive holy-day spirit generated by the celebration of several major religious traditions, hearts everywhere are rife with love, light, and cheerful lightheartedness. Extra expressions of kindness and generosity are omnipresent, including through many forms of volunteer service. Christmas lights inside and outside of houses abound, supplemented by light from Chanukah menorahs and Kwanzaa and winter solstice candles. Solitary and collective prayers, especially via congregational assemblies, add to the holy day light.
As in voting, each person makes a difference in contributing goodwill to the holiday season. How will you and your partner or family sanctify this so-called magical time of year? I invite you to discuss with your loved ones ways that you might go beyond your usual means of making these days that are full of darkness and light holier and more special for yourselves and for your community.
Then again, even if you’re not enrolled in the proverbial holiday spirit, consider this old saying, “It’s better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness.” After all, Mr. Scrooge didn’t fare too well!
Ruth and I wish you and your beloveds joyful, meaningful, and purposeful holy days going forward….
Your Relationship Coach,
Jim Sharon
(303) 796-7004
jim@energyforlife.us
Jim Sharon, EdD is a licensed psychologist and couples' coach who has over four decades of professional experience serving thousands as a counselor, as a life and relationship coach, and as a seminar and retreat facilitator. Dr. Sharon has authored two books and many professional publications, most recently, Secrets of a Soulful Marriage: Creating and Sustaining a Loving, Sacred Relationship (with Ruth Sharon, MS), published by SkyLight Paths, 2014. Jim and Ruth have been married since 1970, have raised three adult children, and have three young granddaughters.
