I love the evening in Belltown, walking down 4th or 5th Avenue in the shopping district. I know, that seems an odd comment coming from me. But all the trees that line the streets are lit up with lights, and they are happy trees.
And the little kids look in that wonder that only they consistently have at the toys in the windows at FAO Schwartz. Live blues music plays on the street corner near the huge city Christmas tree, and people rush around in the damp winter air, bundled up in scarves and wool coats and hats. The homeless are still there, and the war still rages on, and our economy slumps. But hope, peace, joy, and love only die if we let them. The season reminds to light a candle in the deep darkness, to sing, to dance and be cheery... the warmth of Spring and its new life is just 'round the corner. In the meanwhile, we can grow warm by huddling together in front of the fire... waiting expectantly.