News, Events and Fun Stuff

I was asked last week to go back on Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba. I always have a fun time when I'm on his. We discussed the Chicago Outfit, specifically how it pertains to a project I've been working on for a few years now and hope to be finished with soon. It's the story of a man who was falsely accused of being a loan shark for the Chicago mob in 1960s Chicago, and how the persecution affected his life and the lives of his family. You can find me at 1:30:00 but check out the whole show. It's fun.

While the holiday I celebrate began on Dec. 21 (the original reason for the season), I enjoy the celebration that is December. It's why I love to greet people with the wish, "Happy Holidays!" That pretty much covers all the bases, and having worked in public service most of my life, I know there are a lot of bases to cover. And that's okay. Even those who find no reason for the season can at least enjoy the festive atmosphere and fellowship.

I'm not sure why I love this time of year. Growing up in a family ruled by alcoholics, holiday joy could often be hit and miss. Usually miss. And of course there's the weather. If you live in the Midwest, you can expect snow and cold. Though so far, while we've had a taste of both, we haven't had the amount that I remember having when I was a kid. That's not necessarily a good thing, even if it does make holiday shopping easier.

But I'm no longer ruled by dysfunction (other than my own) and have the freedom to make with it all that I would like. They say that this time of year is for kids. I disagree. The holiday season can be for everyone if they wish. But they may have to discard their notions of what it should be to see how joyous it can be.

Because at this time of year, we are reminded of what we should be doing all year long: Respecting each other. Caring for each other. Rejoicing with each other. Trying to find common ground with each other. Making the world better. As Jan. 1 approaches, we are reminded that we are being blessed with another year to get it right. We say goodbye to the screw-ups, mistakes, and mishaps of the previous year, and enter the new year hopefully wiser.

That's the holiday gift: The chance to reevaluate and reset. To make the new year better than the last. We'll fail some things miserably, of course, but oh those things we get right...well you never know. It might change the world. 

So yeah, I'm pretty sentimental about this time of year. I wish peace and joy for everyone through the month and the following year.