If I am brief, it is because I do not currently have a bone between my teeth. I'm not picking away at any gnawing problems, or being outraged about whatever new and pointless thing is in the news. I have simply had a day with my family, without any strife or obligation or need to be busy. Isn't that the point of Christmas?

Even Christmas has been dragged into the fray. The so-called war on Christmas is a sign of it, and the endless Starbucks cup controversies; the Santas who endorse Coca-Cola and air-brushed children in creaseless pajamas who want nothing more than the new life-size BB-8 robot. However, not even the full commercialized might of the U.S. could ruin Christmas for me, because all of that is irrelevant. None of it has anything to do with the real meaning of Christmas, which is to have an opportunity to show your family how much you care about them, and spend time with them.

I am lucky enough to have a family. I am not one of the many who are alone on Christmas, or grieving, or sick, or dying, or homeless, or refugees, or any of the number of things I could have been born into. I am incredibly blessed and fortunate to be where I am, so I think it is appropriate to have a day off from all the worry and to consider my blessings. Many of you who read this are also fortunate; likely you will read it on an expensive smartphone with a wireless internet connection, somewhere warm.

In all, I think the most important thing about the Christmas season is the brief and occasionally hard-to-find focus on the blessings we are given. It is an important thing to think about, and does not get the attention it is due.

Happy Holidays.