Welcome to December 2024, folks. The holiday season is upon us. It is the time of year in most traditions and religions when we turn inward, when we focus on family and friends. The winter holidays are a time of happiness and joy, bringing light and festivities to the short days and long nights.
This year has had its share of issues to deal with locally, along with a brutal election season. There was a time, not that long ago, when the bitterness and anger of national politics did not infect us in the state and here locally. But it has crept in. Longtime friends no longer speak to each other. Family members are estranged. Words have been spoken in anger that cannot be taken back. Many feel that we have lost our sense of community. That has been happening for a while, but it seems to have come to a head this year.
So where do we go from here? I would like to suggest that we take the meaning of these winter holidays and use it to rebuild bridges. Use it to seek common ground. Use it to reconnect with the things that bind us together. We cannot continue being so divided on every issue. We must relearn how to talk to, and more importantly, listen to each other.
Most religions and spiritual traditions have several things in common. They all speak of love as the source that binds us. They all speak of charity and kindness. Charity does not just mean donating material things to those who are in need. That is important, and this community has the resources to share. We see this kind of charity all year in the food banks and the thrift stores. But charity also means a charity of spirit. It means being kind and accepting of others. It does not matter if you agree with their choices in lifestyle or religion, the music they like, or the way they look, dress or speak. When people are living their own lives and doing no harm to others, why should it bother you? It costs nothing to be kind.
Holiday parties and events are a perfect opportunity to meet people, to talk and to listen. For those of us who have been around for a while, use this opportunity to introduce yourself to the people who have arrived lately. Welcome them and engage them in real conversation. For those who are fairly new to the area, do the same. Introduce yourself. Every one of us has a reason for wanting to be here. Let’s learn from each other.
This year, when you watch “A Christmas Carol,” stop and think about the lessons that Scrooge learned from the ghosts. Really think about how it changed him. Think about how we can do better and move forward as a real community.
However you celebrate, I wish you a happy holiday season.
Scott Perez is a Durango area-based former working cowboy, guide and occasional actor. He has a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from Cornell University.
