December Again

 "Happy December", I wished some of my co-workers today. It is Tuesday, but it is the first day of the last month of the year.

 

 December 2020.

This is quite a year. Many more Americans and worldwide citizens have died this year than normal because of the corona virus and some of the economic and social constraints that have resulted from the pandemic and the shutdowns.

Meanwhile others have died as normal: things move along with most of the world progressing, or perhaps in light of those ecologically minded, has continued warming up in relative peace . The U.S. has had a presidential election and despite some hard feelings and accusations, things seem to marching along.

Many of us are a year older, a year wiser, maybe a year wealthier. Others are not so lucky. We know people who have died unrelated to the pandemic or war or violence. Those left behind are surrounded by those that love them and their best wishes.

A short list of those that I know personally who have gone on to the next world in the last 24 months, three of them since the pandemic this year, but not from the virus: Steve, Amarea, Mary, Lorraine. All four left sweet families behind; their presence is sorely missed. Ages 41, 22, 56, 57. Cancer, domestic violence, heart problems, cancer.

Here is a new December without them.

We can reflect on past Decembers.

Do you recall the Decembers of your childhood? Were there happy, warm, memories? and lights and smiles and laughs? Were there nice presents and good cheer and solemn hymns of Christmas or other cheerful holiday tunes? Were sled rides and snow angels, or maybe trips to warmer climes and visits with family?

I recall snowy days, with a few blizzards, and sunny warmer ones, too. I recall a Christmas season in far off Newton, Massachusetts. I remember waking up sick on Christmas Day, wearing a Santa hat, and I remember many fond toys and few that got away. There were trips down to the Caribbean and Florida, and very warm and beach-filled times.

My first December as a missionary was spent within the confines of the Provo Missionary Training Center, but we did venture out to visit an old folks home, and to buy a few items at the Orem City Mall and the local Deseret Industries thrift store.

My second December I passed in the warm summer of Santa Juana, Chile, southern hemisphere. Very dry in a Mediterranean climate, and dusty and hot. We had a mission celebration of Christmas in Concepcion or somewhere nearby.

Decembers came and went between Utah and Indiana, then California and Indiana, and eventually Virginia and Indiana, and a few holidays in southern places like Florida again. There was most of a December in Afghanistan, and another part of one in Pennsylvania ...

Decembers are special, wrapping up a year and a time to reflect.

Sadness and regret can be a part of it, but we choose to be happier and brighter in our hearts as the days get darker and colder.

Enjoy the month, enjoy the life and the memories of it lived. Enjoy and dig deep into your souls in order to cherish all that the year is, all that your family, beliefs, community are, and all that life brings.

Joys, sorrows, and remembrance of good.

May this December be as good as it can be. In a time of reflection, celebration, and colder and darker days, may we come away better and more grateful.