Are We into the Season Yet?

I mean Christmas or whatever holiday one celebrates at this time of year. It's hard not to get swept away by it all; the decorations, the commercials, the crowds in the malls. What I like best of all, however, is just the buzz in the air. Something is happening. There is an undercurrent of energy. Sure I hate going to the mall and the extra traffic on the streets, the endless holiday parties, buying gifts for people you hardly know, but it's also a special time. When it is spent with loved ones, that's all that matters. Two years ago, I spent Christmas literally in the hospital in Texas visiting my dad. He hovered between life and death for several weeks. Even there, we couldn't ignore the holiday and the hospital staff went out of their way to bring some cheer. No matter where one is, this time is special and should be appreciated as a time to show those whom you love, that you care. That's what this season means to me.