Dec 14, 2023 4 min read

By Nick Jacobs

Nestled in the hills of Pennsylvania this holiday season, we once again have the magnificent opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures represented by the diverse people of various faiths and beliefs who have made this region their home.

As they come together for their respective holiday celebrations, surrounded by the dazzling glow of twinkling lights and the crisp winter air, we are reminded this is a season and a time to appreciate each other and spread feelings of kindness, love, generosity, and togetherness.

Each little town in our area has embraced the season in its unique way, creating a distinctive, individualized presentation of the unity that truly captures the spirit of these holidays. Symbols such as Christmas trees, menorahs, crescent moons, kinaras, and drummers are all part of the story representing the diversity and acceptance that form the essence of civilized life.

While our towns are filled with warmth and a sense of respect for all who live there, it is essential to acknowledge that where there is a positive light, there may also be fear-based darkness positioned to undermine the affirmative efforts towards both that unity and the progress it represents.

It is our collective responsibility to speak out against that negativity and ensure that it doesn’t continue to strengthen its grasp on our world, a challenge as old as humanity itself. To quote the poet Maya Angelou, “Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for somebody else.”

The connections shared among neighbors and friends are delicate, much like the frosted sugar windows of a freshly baked gingerbread house. The true essence of the season, like an elegantly formed snowflake, is fragile as it descends toward the warmer ground below.

This season is not only about religious convictions; it is also about the shared memories and the stories of unification and commonality that bind us together. It is meant to be a time to connect with the joy we share while focusing on our gratitude for the positive memories created on the life journeys we are jointly taking.

Most importantly, this season should highlight universal values that resonate with everyone, such as love, compassion, and unity. As we care for those in need and embrace the diversity that enriches our lives, we look into the limitless, starry winter sky, while below we witness our families and friends standing together, shoulder to shoulder in a shared reflection of the importance of that acceptance of one another.

The essence of this season lies not in the exchange of presents but in the value of our personal presence and mutual respect. It is a time that should radiate the warmth produced by hearts joining together as one united family of humanity, as a time designed to light a more positive path toward a new year filled with even deeper love, connection, and commitment.

Together, we individually and collectively possess the power to help extinguish the negativity and dedicate ourselves to ensuring it does not overtake the goodness we know. Let us move beyond the binary thinking of us versus them and explore our deeper feelings that will allow us to recognize the commonalities that unite us and keep us on an even keel. We are a collective force, and every day presents an opportunity to object to negativity. When we are confronted with it, we need to say, “No more.”

The words “peace” and “love” must not simply be empty rhetoric. As we reflect on the season, let us channel our love, kindness, and hopefulness into meaningful actions aimed at thwarting negativity and admonishing harmful behavior. It is within our capabilities to transform the absolute meaning of the season into a concrete reality, steering those influencers away from the ongoing strife and working collectively to commit to peace on earth and goodwill toward all. No matter if it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Rohatsu (Bodhi Day), Hijri Year, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Zoroastrian or later Ramadan, let’s celebrate together.

Nick Jacobs is a Windber resident.