Today is the Big Day. It's the reason for the Season's Greetings, for the Happy Holidays. Today is Christmas Eve, with less than 24 hours until Christmas day, as well as the first day of Hannakuh. It's a time of warmth, friendship, reflection, and a chance to celebrate the end of the days getting shorter and the start of the days getting longer.

We celebrate it in the more "secular" (i.e.: pagan) fashion, rather than as a religious event. That's just us - your mileage may vary. That's our right - collectively and individually, to celebrate it however we choose (including choosing not to celebrate). That's guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

It's also a time when those who have no family feel most left out. The long dark days add to the SAD (Seasonal-Affect Disorder), and knowing other people are together with loved ones can make it worse.

What can we do?

We can reach out to those in need of a little care, to let them know they are loved, that they matter, that they deserve happiness too. Even just announcing to the world that anyone who needs to talk, needs a hug (even virtually), or even just an "I see you" can make a difference.

Be present. Let your presence be your present.

It's a gift that costs nothing, means everything, and can be the one thing that brings some hope and joy.

That's something we can all use a little more of.