[Kate Adams]

Dear Powderworkers,

As the sun pushes Christmas Day across the world and the small ones in my 
house await their sugarplum oblivion, I would like to extend my fondest 
wishes to all of you.

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, may all the blessings of the 
season be yours and the peace of this holy day grace your lives.

For those who do not observe Christmas in their traditions, I wish all the 
best to you as well.  May you be able to enjoy a day free from toil and 
filled with the pursuits of life and the company of family and friends.

And may we all take a moment to ponder the origins of our year-end 
celebrations: the solstice itself and the cyclical maneuvers of our Earth 
which produce our seasons and the waxing and waning of the light.

In the Northern Hemisphere, consider our traditions of visiting neighbors, 
friends, and family at this darkest time, when light falters and is reborn 
in ever lengthening days.  Breathe deep the cool air of winter and meditate 
upon the crystalline stillness of nature's senescence as the longest night 
gives way to the newest year.

In the Southern Hemisphere, take a moment to savor the warmth of the sun at 
full summer, and the light which brings forth life in full flower and 
fruit, filling gardens and tables with bountiful splendor.

The earth blesses us all, in darkness and light.  As we celebrate so should 
we remember the delicate dance of light, moisture, gas, and rock which 
sustains us.

Merry Christmas, Joyous Solstice, and Happy New Year to all!

Love,
Kate

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Kate Adams
Gradual Student
UMass Lowell
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Remember your childhood
Remember the journey
Hope is what you say and do
         -Midnight Oil
         (Minutes to Midnight)
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