Every year the familiar pattern of the Holiday Season unfolds. Here in Florida, where the weather is always sunny and snow men are made from beach sand, locals celebrate with the annual Holiday Boat Parade. The sights and the customs and festivities may seem very much the same from one year to another, and yet to friends and individuals each holiday festivity is slightly different. One of the best boat parades in the area is the Treasure Island Boat Parade.
For those who reside on the beach, the annual Christmas Boat Parades makes the holiday season just a bit brighter. As with all parades it is the long planning of lights and designs for just a few hours of enjoyment for oh so many. Is it worth it for the participants, you bet it is....and it is the perfect start of the holiday season.
Children grow and presents for them change. It may be the first Holiday for many as husband and wife, or the first Holiday with grandchildren. Some may be far from home, and others lonely or sick, yet this season of holidays remains the greatest family gathering time of the year.
This holiday season we are also reminded that it is the time of peace on earth and goodwill towards men. Yet we are all only too well aware of the tragic fighting, hatred and ill-will in so many parts of the world. Because of this, cynics may shrug off the many Holiday messages of Peace and Goodwill toward Mankind as a waste of time, but that is only the gloomy side of the picture; there are also brighter and more hopeful signs. We must have dreams and ambitions to include peace and goodwill and they must be practiced.
Perhaps the most practical demonstration of goodwill towards men is to be found in the growing practice among both the young and the old to meet and greet those we know and those who have yet to know. Living in a small beach community we see it every day we might not take note of the good mornings or the phrase “let me get the door for you” but they are there. The joy of seeing friendly faces at the local post office or just the smile you receive at your local grocery or dry cleaner. There is joy in being a part of a small community and we should take pride in the joy of everyday life on the beach. Each and every day we are reminded how very lucky we are to be living in such a paradise among such a wonder group of individuals who respect their precious community and give back generously.
At this time of year people throughout the world, from every walk of life come forward to help other people, a kind word, a simple gesture to let someone know you care, even if you do not know that particular someone it is just the holiday spirit.
"Peace on Earth" - we may not have it at the moment, we may never have it completely, but we will certainly achieve nothing unless we go on trying to remove the causes of conflict between peoples and nations and we have the opportunity everyday right here in our own community "Goodwill towards men" is not a hollow phrase. Goodwill does exist, and when there is an opportunity to show it in practical form we know what wonderful things it can achieve.
This Holiday is to remind us never to give up hope. It is a rejection of everything that makes life worth living, and what is far worse it offers nothing in its place. Our community, after all, is a blessed company of strangers held together by common interest, compassion and friendship.
In fact it is just because there are so many conflicts in the world today that we should reaffirm our hopes and beliefs to make our Community a friendlier and more enjoyable place to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of your neighbors and your community.
This is just the moment to remind ourselves that we can all find some practical way to serve others and help to create a better understanding between people.
Some things never change and hopefully the local Holiday Boat Parades will always be one of those things that bring smiles to each and every one of us.
To each of you warm drinks and cool, clear nights for a great Holiday Boat Parade and very happy holiday season.
