Bank the fires against the darkness, on this, the longest night of the year (at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere.)
Underneath the hustle and bustle of the holidays, there is a quietness, if you listen hard enough. This seems to be a good time of year for a little introspection, a bit of self-examination. Maybe it’s the constant hum of Dickens in the background and Jacob Marley’s words echoing in the dark: “Mankind was my business!” that makes me want to take stock.
And so, in between the shopping and the cocktail parties and the frantic to-and-fro-ing we reach for something deeper, looking for those things that tie us together, that connect us.
And in this time of unrest (Has there ever been a time that wasn’t a time of unrest?) it seems especially important.
We want to show our children (and each other) that there is more than fear and hate and greed in the world. There’s good stuff. Really good stuff. Friends and family and music and holding hands and laughter and hugs. Crackling logs in the fireplace, both real and metaphorical, keeping us warm and the darkness at bay.
Peace, joy and love to you and yours during this season and throughout the new year.
NestOfSquirrels 
Very well said, Benjamin, Happy Solstice and Holidays to you and yours.
Thank you! And a very merry to you and the happiest of new years!
Yes, yes and yes. Happy Solstice! All the very best to you in the growing days to come!
And the very best to you and yours!
Beautiful! I hope you, too, find peace, joy and love in every season!
Thanks you! 🙂
The best things is life really are free. Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🙂
Indeed, they are! A very Merry Christmas to you! 🙂
Lovely post and so true! A very merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks, Laurie! And a very merry Christmas to you!
Thanks for this lovely message Ben. I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas too, and all good wishes for the new year!
And to you and yours, Cathy! All the best! 🙂
And back atcha! Have a wonderful holiday & amazing New Year!!!
Thanks, Lori! Wishing you all the best stuff life has to offer in 2016!
Peace to you Benjamin and Happy New Year!
Thanks so much, and to you! Wishing you all the best in 2016!
You are so right! There is lots of good stuff! Wishing you, peace, joy and love 😃
Thanks, Julie! Wishing you and yours peace, joy and love, this season and throughout the new year!
Dear Benjamin
Despite running late to the party, I want to wish the best of the season past, the season present, and the season future. May this New Year bring you much in the way of peace, love, and happiness…
Cheers!