With the global pandemic affecting public health in all corners of the globe, I wondered if the holiday season spirit would still thrive as we approach the many significant widely recognized celebrations that occur this time of the year (e.g., Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa).

In many locales social gatherings are banned or severally restricted this includes restrictions on many traditional festive gatherings both religious and otherwise.

Human Spirit Prevails

It appears the strength of the human spirit is able to overcome adversity.   My observation is that everyone’s practices are taking different forms  to account for public health needs but the spirit of the season is still very apparent.

In a time when joy, peace and happiness are badly needed, we are  arising to the occasion.    Gift giving traditions and social interactions, meals and parties are muted and restrained but the spirit of joyous celebration is breaking through.

Once a year around the globe humans celebrate their own humanity and that of others.  This is a designated time (just after the winter or summer solstice depending on which hemisphere you reside) when we all get together, raise our tolerance levels and unite as one.

Humanity Prevails

The benevolence at the root of humanness is not always apparent and times of stress don’t usually bring out the best of us.  It appears the overriding sentiments of this traditional festive season overcome the extreme challenges of our current circumstances.

For me this is just evidence that at the heart of each human is a base of decency, love of others and desire for everyone to be joyous.  This designated time of year is a terrific opportunity for us to take advantage of and pandemic or not we will.