‘Tis the season.

That’s the line often lifted by marketers, card makers, and others to do two things at once: to gloss over the deeper meanings to this time of year–the faithful, religiously based meanings that stretch between, across and beyond the “season;” and to emphasize the togetherness theme of family and friends.

Why is it that gatherings have been compartmentalized into seasonal events? That the Thanksgiving to New Year period, and Memorial Day to Independence Day time frame are the only two times of the year people think about friends and family in any deep and meaningful way?

I just finished the lion’s share of our Christmas shopping tonight. And in the middle of the overcrowded aisles of Target and other stores, I was struck by something–no, not another shopper, though that did nearly happen–I was struck by the fact that even with all the talk in the media about the recession and trying to drill into the psyche of the American consumer, things seem much more restrained than in the past. And it does make you ask the yourself the question: why?

Sure, we’ve had to cut back on gifts, but everyone seems to be doing that. But it’s the larger question that is more intriguing: are people finally getting “it?”

I have. And that’s what this card tonight is all about.

I’ve gone through a few phases in my life. Both of trying to push people out of it, and to bring some people back into it. I’ve been wildly successful at the former, and not terribly successful at the latter. But, I’ve got a great circle–of family, friends, and co-workers–all of whom care about me, and I of them. And all of you reading this are in that circle. You come back here day after day to find out what’s going on in my life, in my wife’s life, in my kids’ lives, and what I think about those lives and about the world in general. There are a billion other things to look at on the internet, and you still make a point of coming back here. And for that, I’m appreciative.

I will see some of you during this season, and if I don’t actually say it when I do see you, remember that you mean something to me, each in your own way. For those that I don’t see, take this to heart: you too mean very much to me.

You see, it isn’t about the gifts you get for the people you care for, it’s about the people you care about who you give gifts to.

Thank you all for being in my circle.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

See you tomorrow.