Aside from all this, I admit I love to give to my family and friends. It has always been a very good excuse to do so during this holiday time of year, and this is fine. But what if one is burdened with health or financial issues? Or perhaps one is depressed, feeling the loss of loved ones? Or, maybe it's as simple as being a bit less enthusiastic without really knowing why. The pressure to participate can be overwhelming.

It is the lights that give me the warm feeling - the familiar joy of my childhood. Their twinkling brightness seems to pull me into a primal state of being… reminiscent of sitting in front of a warm fire. There is so much weight in the darkness that winter months bring. Those pagan people of long ago knew that fire light was an essential part of their well being. Even if only a candle, that small fire could evoke this same feeling of comfort, eliminating the dark corners and the fears that seem to linger in the unknown.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Without the lights in my house, this dull emptiness seems to seep into my heart. I am so grateful to have the love I have in my life, and I definitely have much to be thankful for, but the lack of those brilliant, little, glowing orbs have made it clear that I must attend to this come next season, or whenever the urge comes over me.
Perhaps Christmas in July? :)