Long before Moses
....before Jesus
and before Mohammed
Before Rome, before Wiccans and pagans, back to the dawn of man, mankind turned its frightened yet hopeful face to the sky and recognized that something wondrous happened in the dead of winter. We call it the winter solstice now—the shortest day of the year, the day when night stops its steady swallowing of the sun and the sun hangs in the sky just a few minutes longer, day by day, promising another year, another seedtime, another harvest. Most historians agree that the winter solstice is precisely why so many religions that originated in the northern hemisphere have major celebrations around this time.
To me, it’s both silly and intolerant for any one group to object to a joyful and sincere “Happy Holidays” as if they own December and no one else has any right to it.
So happy Hanukkah everyone! Spin a dreidel for me.
Joyous Kwanzaa! May everyone grow stronger with the seven principles for guides.
Merry Christmas! Peace and love to all mankind.
And for those of the Seinfeldian persuasion (you know who you are), Happy Festivus!
Finally, in the spirit of the season, I’m passing along the greetings sent out this year to the clients of a West Coast law firm (click here 2010 or on the 2010 below. Be patient. It takes a 60-90 seconds to load). Hope to see you back here in January 2011!
