Sadness Stifles The Hustle Buslte

The hustle and bustle that might typically mark the end of the Hanukkah and imminence of Christmas is likely to be somewhat quieter today as we spend time holding close those dear to us.  We're all likely to spend more than a few moments in thought and prayer for all directly impacted by the horrific events at a Connecticut elementary school yesterday.   As I sit here in quiet prayer this morning, I am reminded that each and every one of us is changed, in some way, by this horrific event.  There will be many "whys" and even more "what ifs" along with changes in how we "make schools safer."  In schools, malls and theaters everywhere, we will look a little closer at everyone who enters our safe havens for learning and having fun.  In our homes, we will hug our children a little tighter and hold them a little closer.  Under our trees and along with the last lights on our menorahs, there may be fewer gifts; yet, a few more reminders that people, not gifts, are what the holidays are all about.  It may seem strange to quote a cartoon character on a morning like this when sadness stifles our "hustle and bustle"...but it is what comes to my mind....
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought,  doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas [and Hanukkah], perhaps, means a little bit more.”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas