Amos, my friend, you put it very well, as usual! My beloved used to say, "speak the truth that's inside you." I try to have the wisdom to know when speaking up matters and when it's important that I know the truth that's inside me, but am willing to be patient and forbearing (and keep my trap shut!) with those around me.

I have relatives who are difficult to deal with at the holidays, but I love them and try to accept them as they are, because they are not going to change. Christmas is a day of deep meaning for me, as a day of hope and prayer for peace on earth, light in the darkness, hope of new birth. I try to grow "duck's feathers" and let the tactless, clueless words roll off me like water.

I learned long ago not to have inflated expectations for Christmas day. The concerts and gatherings leading up to the actual day have more meaning for me than the day itself. So I just look at the day as another day to learn the lessons life has for me (and life has been dishing out some pretty intense lessons lately). And to enjoy the fact that my kids and I can wink at each other over the heads of the more clueless relatives, and let peace prevail.
Blessings on all,
Allison