As Christmas approaches, I get an increasing feeling of expectancy and anticipation.  It is 
a period of time when I start thinking young -- a time when the warmer, more loving part 
of my nature comes through.


I begin feeling more optimistic.  Daring to believe that all of my cherished wishes and 
desires can be fulfilled.


I become more affectionate, patient, considerate, understanding, and forgiving, all at the 
same time.


I develop a kinship and sensitivity toward all people, including those who are not friendly 
with me.


It is during this time when the better part of me surfaces and I can see, for that small 
measure of time, how beautiful the world can be.


Christmas is a time of year when Christians and non-Christians come closer together 
because Christmas is love and love is universal.  It is truly a most beautiful time of year.  
It is a justification of all the love and faith that I possess.


The comes Christmas Day and my feelings start to change.  The turbulence within me 
turns to calm.  It is a day of reverence and remembrance.  


I have many different feelings on this day -- feelings that make me wish for seclusion.  As 
the day wears on, there is an increased tugging at my conscience.   While I sit in the 
comfort of my home, secure and warm, surrounded by family, I know that many will be 
hungry and destitute on this day.


I know that many will die or will be dying from illness, violence or despairing loneliness 
on this day.


I will sit and wonder, with a frustrated sense of betrayal.  I will question what it was that 
justified my optimism for this day.


I will pray that the world finds everlasting peace.

I will pray that there will be good will among men.


I will pray that by next Christmas, I will find its true spirit, knowing that this can never be 
unless the whole world finds it.


The day following Christmas, I will wake up physically and spiritually drained.  The 
smell of the Christmas tree won’t excite me anymore and the ornaments won’t seem as 
beautiful as they did a few days ago.,


The beautiful carols that I had been joyfully listening to and singing all week long, will 
suddenly sound used and worn.  It will be time to put my Christmas away along with  my 
Christmas personality.  I will do this with a feeling of sadness and emptiness until the 
thought of the pending New Year takes hold.  I will look guardedly toward it with the 
hope that I will find what I didn’t find in the Christmas past.  I will look ahead with a 
sense of vagueness as to what it is I’m searching for but knowing full well that I will have 
no doubt as to what it is when I find it. 


As the year progresses and turns old with time, as the colors of autumn give way to Fall 
again, there will come with it a new spirit of optimism, anticipation, and expectancy.  
Once again, I will feel the same warm urgency drawing me in.  And as the anticipation of 
a new Christmas takes hold, I will reach within myself and draw out the warmer, more 
loving part of my nature.  I will dust it off and wear it again for a little while.   


Joseph Vosbikian