As the end of this year approaches, I cannot help but feel a little subdued… there seems to be a lack of the customary sparkle in the air, and I have been wondering how to ignite a small spark of joy. I normally love Christmas time but nothing seems to be improving for the world and I fear we are getting bogged down in greater divisions and more artificially created images and news. The moral balance seems to be off quilter, the compass seems stuck. Truly remarkable friends, creators and wise, good people have left this earth and we are stuck with the same old suspects causing unhappiness, discord, damage and harm. We can’t seem to connect to find solutions and we don’t trust our instincts. How to raise the spirits and banish the fatigue and reenter the world of magical make believe even for a night and where a joyous, kindly gentleman and his sleigh flies across the world pulled by reindeer making all children’s wishes come true? Where there is peace on earth and the gifts you chose are exactly what was wanted and everybody has the chance of a promising future.

And I thought that perhaps this is why we decorate our homes, our trees, even our shops with lights. And why we have to bring light into our lives at this time, to banish the bleak midwinter darkness. It’s why three wise men followed a star and why the blooming of rational thought and social equality is called the Age of Enlightenment and why we celebrate the winter festivals of  Diwali, of lighting Hanukkah candles and festival of candles celebrating Sankta Lucia - it’s a way to bring joy from the darkness. And to celebrate coming together, to looking forward and to gatherings full of joy and goodwill. 

Maybe it’s make believe and a step back from the real uglier world but somehow the twinkling lights cut the noise and the power of the grinches for that moment you look up. And if it makes us smile and helps us to reach out and to connect to a brighter place... then there is hope. So from myself and everyone at Connolly I wish you and those you love and hold dearest, a happy holiday and that you too find joy in the tiniest sparkle.