Peace on Earth (Apparently That Was the Theme)

I’ve been making Christmas cards this week, and my workspace looks exactly how you’d expect

— paper everywhere, glitter in places it shouldn’t be, half-finished cards stacked all over the

table.

Somewhere in the middle of that mess, I noticed something.

Without planning it, I kept choosing the same sentiment: Peace on Earth.

Different cards. Different designs. Same message.

I didn’t set out with a theme — it just kept happening. Apparently my hands figured something

out before my brain did.

That feels fitting.

When it comes to getting in the mood for Christmas, I think of Christmas specials! I’ve never

been able to choose just one favorite. A Charlie Brown Christmas will always matter to me. I

identified with Charlie Brown growing up (I still do) — thoughtful, a little unsure, wanting

things to mean something even when the world felt rushed or loud. He kept showing up. That

stuck with me.

But the one that really settled into my bones was Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.

Emmet’s story is authentically timeless. It wasn’t shiny or perfect. It was about love expressed

through effort and sacrifice — not through having more, but through doing what you could.

Emmet and his mom taught me the Gift of the Magi in a way that made sense: caring for each

other mattered more than the outcome.

That story resonated because while my family grew up rich in love and spirit, money was

sometimes tight — especially during a very commercialized holiday season. Emmet showed me

that generosity and dignity aren’t about abundance.

So if my Christmas cards accidentally chose Peace on Earth as their theme, I’m okay with that.

I don’t always know what Christmas is supposed to look like for everyone.

And I don’t assume it’s easy or joyful for all.

What I do believe — quietly, without certainty — is that love matters.

That kindness counts.

And that choosing patience with one another goes a long way.

If this season finds you holding onto love in whatever way you can, that feels like enough to me.

If you believe in love, that will be more than enough.

Merry Happy. Peace to you and yours.