Charlestown Holiday Stroll
Iris Apfel: Rare Bird of Fashion

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all of my family, friends, and colleagues.

This year, I'd like to share some words of wisdom from Pace Lattin, a fellow advertising professional (reprinted here with permission):

I wish from my family to yours, a Happy Festivus.

On a serious note, during these holidays, please consider giving instead of receiving. When I opened up my browser today, the front story was about Carrie Underwood's $1M engagement ring. I can't conceive how anyone would feel in this country, where there are still children malnourished because their parents cannot afford breakfast, that we'd ever celebrate someone receiving such an extravagant gift.

It is easy to get caught up in the commercialization of everything, especially while working in the advertising industry. I daily wrestle with what is appropriate in our field, what exactly we are promoting, selling and how it affects other people’s lives.  Perhaps I’m a hypocrite, but I sincerely hope that during these holidays more of us take a little bit of our lives, a little bit of our paycheck and give it to something more promising than the wishes in a Gap Commercial.

The traditions of the various holidays almost all come from hardship, struggle, and strength in adversity. Whether it’s about a child born in barn, or the fight against oppressive rulers, or even the observance of the passing of the seasons there are messages that we can hold on to. Children are born daily in this country in houses that are no different than mangers, there are people all over the world who are persecuted and killed for their religious beliefs, and there are those who daily work the fields just to eat. Those people live a life that for most of us are so different than our lifestyle, that it’s hard to realize what is really happening.

Thus, I  offer a prayer, a wish, a meditation to all who would care to listen.

"In this season, as the winter sets in, as beloved families gather to celebrate, as you spend time with your blessed friends, may the Universe grant you Eyes of Loving Kindness so that you gain insight into the true nature of life and the universe. May you use that insight to save and help many others who suffer daily in our world."

Happy Holidays,

Pace Lattin

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