Peace

Today is the first day on the Advent calendar, and around here we have gleefully begun the countdown to Christmas (never mind that we're Buddhist). Someone smarter than me observed that Christmas is a holiday by women and for women. (Of course, we're talking about the secular holiday as celebrated in these whacked 50 states.) Truer words have never been spoken.

The wisdom I take away from this observation? Take it easy.

Don't invite 40 people to brunch (oh, but we had fun - didn't we?). Don't hand-make the gift wrap (did it). Don't build a gingerbread house more beautifully fitted out than your own home (also guilty). Hell, don't even bake.

Take it easy. Play Christmas carols every day. Eat chocolate. Really listen to the people you love. The rest will take care of itself.

This holiday month I wish you peace (and quiet).