Merry Christmas
“We expect too much at Christmas. It’s got to be magical. It’s got to go right. Feasting. Fun. The perfect present. All that anticipation. Let’s take it easy. Love’s the thing. The rest is tinsel.” —Pam Brown
If we’re truly honoring Christmas, let’s act on its core message throughout the new year. We can start by living each day with more kindness, less confrontation. More compassion, less arrogance. More civility, less hostility. More humility, less egotism. More honesty, less deception. More empathy, less criticism. More love, less hate. We could lead by example — and imagine what a gift it would be if everyone conspired to do the same.
On another holiday note, Christmas can be an emotionally difficult time for some. If you’re struggling with grief and loss this season, here’s a link to a feature story I wrote on this topic. I hope it will provide comfort and validation.
I’m sending love and gratitude to all of you, with special thanks to those who subscribe to Life Lines. Your thoughtful emails and encouragement always inspire me and inform the content of my posts. I’ll be spending the next few days recovering from the flu and refueling my energy for the new year. ~CL
*** There’s truth in the old expression, “The more, the merrier.” Building a larger audience will help keep my monthly costs down and allow me to keep providing free email subscriptions in 2026. Please invite your friends to subscribe to Life Lines.
Cindy La Ferle
Throughout my career, I've worked as a book production editor, travel magazine editor, features writer, and weekly newspaper columnist. My award-winning lifestyles features and essays have appeared in many national magazines and anthologies, including Newsweek, Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor, Writer's Digest, Victoria, Better Homes & Gardens, Bella Grace, and more. My weekly Sunday "Life Lines" column ran for 14 years in The Daily Tribune (Royal Oak, MI) and won a First Place (Local Columns) award from the Michigan Press Association. My essay collection, Writing Home, includes 93 previously published columns and essays focusing on parenthood and family life.
2 Comments
Rose Ann
Hi Cindy– A few years ago, we decided as an extended family, no gifts. We also changed from having a sit down dinner to hearty appetizers and dessert and everyone brings something. We’re a family of 45 and counting if everyone is able to come. My husband and I usually don’t exchange Christmas gifts also, but buy for ourselves when we need something. I can’t tell you how much less stress that has been. So much peace and time to actually enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. I have to say though, there are times I miss wrapping gifts.
Hope you start to feel better Cindy. I’m on the east side of the Detroit area and heard we’ve been hit hard with the flu. I also will be home today because of the flu. Haven’t felt well for over 5 weeks. They believe I started with a cold and then it went into the flu. I tested positive for the flu on Monday.
Take care of yourself–sending healing thoughts your way. Always enjoy your writings from way back.
Cindy La Ferle
Thank you, Rose Ann. Your Christmas celebration sounds similar to ours, fewer gifts. But I’m so sorry you’ve been ill too. This flu has been a doozy, and it’s taking a while to get rid of it. Please take care of yourself and get as much rest as you can.