I don't get involved with the holidays from a commercial or consumerism standpoint. Personally, I would rather give gifts and greetings at any time during the year (and I do) and not because of ritual or a feeling of obligation. I'm not a scrooge, mind you. It's just that I believe that all of the wonderful feelings of peace, joy, love, goodwill - well, shouldn't these ideas be cultivated at all times? Isn't that a worthy goal for any time of year?

I do understand and respect the religious connotation of the holiday, but rather than celebrate the birth of Christ, I prefer to concentrate on the spiritual aspect - developing the birth of a Christ Consciousness - a universal consciousness of love that encompasses all faiths and all humanity. I respect any "religious" path as long as it remains true to what I always believed was the common denominator of all great religions - the love of our Creator and love for our fellow man - unconditionally. I found a new thought definition of Christ Consciousness as "The spiritual and mystical experience of the unity of all the universe. To attain cosmic consciousness is to see the universe as God and God as the universe, and everything as part of this whole."

Christ Consciousness also includes the deepest understanding of spiritual and Universal law. The word Christ comes from the Latin "Chrîstus", and from the Greek "Khrîstos", which means "anointed," to choose by or as if by divine intervention. I believe that our understanding of spiritual law is our connection to the Divine.

Now some of you might find my chosen path and reference to Christ Consciousness and the following scriptures interesting, since I was born and raised Jewish as a young girl.

It appears to me that the commercial aspect of the holiday has overshadowed its true meaning and leaves much of the population stressed, overtaxed and overextended financially. I opt for finding my center of peace and staying right there.

I think the holiday rituals are more conducive to large families and especially children and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring families together - IF we are instilling the right ideas into our children's minds and teaching them true values instead of letting the commercialism mold their characters.

On another network recently, the moderator asked, "What if every day was joyous, like this holiday season?"

Here are my replies from the thread, which represent more of my feelings about this...

Why not? It's a decision.

Outer circumstances do not affect my happiness and well-being (and joy). It all comes from within. I can feel joyous at any time or the opposite at any time. It's really a choice.

I also do not believe most people experience joy during the holiday season. I believe they are filled with that tension and stress you mention - and I do not believe it's necessary. But most people are like lemmings and they follow the crowd instead of listening to their own guidance. And many people are very unhappy at the holidays.

The kingdom of heaven is within.

And EVERY day is a gift.

If people wouldn't get caught up in the commercialism and instead gave of themselves - perhaps make gifts (which can be more meaningful), or buy according to their ability to buy and not spend money they don't have, not create debt or spend beyond their means to incur debt, wouldn't you think they could create more joy while everyone else is lamenting after it's all over? Bring the real meaning of the holidays back instead of getting caught up in the mass mind thinking and consumerism as you call it. We need to stop listening to the media and instead listen to ourselves - our inner voice that knows the truth. People are hypnotized by the media and mass mind thinking.

Now there's an answer to some joy. Debt free in January. Joy. Joy. Joy. :-)

I'm not a scrooge by any means but the holidays just don't mean anything to me with regard to buying and spending and obligation and duty. It's just not there. I would rather give gifts all year round (and I do) when it's from my heart, not because it's an obligation or an expectation.

Years ago, I used to buy expensive gifts for my corporate clients and special people. Then I decided to take a certain amount of money and donate it to a charity. I would send my friends and clients cards and tell them I have donated on behalf of them. You would be surprised at how well received that gesture was.

I just do not get into the frenzy and I haven't for years. It leaves room for more joy.

If you are on a budget and you are going to give gifts, then why not buy them during the year when the sales are on. Be a practical and wise shopper and when the holidays roll around, you are all set. Smart and debt free and generous. :-)

Am I the only one who sees this?

[End of my replies on that thread]

Christmas and New Year's is a special time of year for me, but in other ways...

It is a time for reflection and renewal. I love to use this holiday time to organize, declutter, streamline my possessions and my environment and release unnecessary elements to prepare for the "birth" of new ideas and new manifestations.

The spiritual celebration of this holiday for me is based on the teachings of one of the greatest teachers of all time - the healer, the mystic, the metaphysician who gave us a philosophy of living based on true spiritual law (which must be interpreted correctly but more often is not) and the key to all manifestation:

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

That is the greatest gift we could ever receive.

The greatest gift I believe I could ever give to you - to anyone - is to help you understand this law and the ability to use it in your life.

I hope you will accept this gift from me year round in lieu of the fanfare and ritual during the holiday season. I do however, offer my warmest blessings to you and your loved ones during this season and truly hope you will find your own center of peace - the "peace that passeth all understanding" and stay there.

~ Marilyn