What, re-turn of Merri-meant? ("HOPE not") 

Came, and went? Merriment, that is, even the idea of JOY! that I shared here with you just 24 hours ago, as a "sharing gift". But here we are, just 24 hours of getting at least a glimpse, others a more sustained gaze, into what This is/was all about. The holiday(s) - depending on your origin of secular and/or theological grounding, that you have been prepping for, for a lengthy period have finally arrived and, once again, depending on which you acknowledge or celebrate, are either getting wrapped up or at least winding down a bit. The parties, most of which included a degree of merriment, have at least paused, on the way to some celebrants prepping for yet another eve, followed about a month later by something really Super! So not a lot of let-up, depending...How you engage This and what's to follow is quite personal, based on both my own personal and professional experience...

B4, After, Affects: Followers of this blog, if they have been reading, following along, have been treated to some posts posing as a partial guidebook, for prepping for this whole holiday season that came upon us, starting around two celebrations ago, around this hemisphere, October 31st and building up to an increase in more party planners, hosts, toasts, culminating in what's still the biggest spending holiday period of the year...accompanied by great anticipation, by children and adults whose inner child still sparks the Spirit. Anticipation that takes the form of JOY! as well as a degree of apprehension, even dread, on behalf of a legion amongst us...and JOY! on the Day itself that can be accompanied, at least followed shortly by a mixture of melancholy, fatigue, anti-climatic affects ("Is that all there is...don't tell me it's over🎝"), and depression. People who discover what I do professionally suggest "This must be a busy time of year for you, given all the depression, sadness, and anxiety..." Busy, yes. But for a range of reasons, not the least of which resides sadness, and the accompanying feelings. But even in the presence of the outpouring of these more difficult feelings, the same testimonies many times (not always) give way to sharing some expressions of HOPE that give rise to my own, that I once again want to share with all of you, here and now, on this day after...

Many un-happy returns(?): The day after Christmas, known in some areas of the world as "Boxing Day" has, around this region, become yet another big shopping day. This time one where, if you lack the proper documentation or receipt, may have you hanging onto that white elephant until the next 'go-round', when you can either take it to the holiday party at the office to re-purpose it or, in another iteration, re-gift. The debate regarding the origin of "Boxing Day" itself actually provides a measure of HOPE as it allows room for theories that remind us that those in need are not only there when we are in a mood for "cheerful giving" (AKA mood of merriment) but all throughout the year, accompanied by opportunities for the rest of us to be of service, support, in a whole range of forms, limited less by resources than awareness and willingness. A cynical view (a large menu from which to sample) I overheard on the radio, while wrapping up (literally) re-garding how we regard each other, on and around Christmas, included, "It's the day we put yelling each other on pause, after which..." After which is up to all of us, each and every one, who has a stake in the state of humanity, as in "Good will towards..." 

Still AOK: As in "Acts Of Kindness" I'm here to assert, affirm it's more than Okay to do so, at any time, any place (remember, "charity starts...") with any-one. Don't worry about whether the timing is right, and whether you're motivated, at least initially, to get on the "nice list" (December 19th post) or, on the other hand, to avoid getting on Santa's "naughty" side. Once you start doing so, it can become a habit, even into the next year, and who knows, may even become contagious...these days known as "viral!" You, even all by yourself, let alone in the company of others, can bring "good cheer" (aka merri-meant) this day after, and through-out the days to come.  A great re-Awakening (?)

                                                                         "HOPE so"