Merry Christmas

Given the news from all over the world, it may be difficult to enjoy the Christmas season joyfully and carefree. Yet—as I wrote last year in my personal Christmas greeting to my Journal subscribers, and I remain convinced—at least 99.9% of people simply want to live in peace (with one another).

To avoid being incited by the remaining 0.1%, a certain resilience is required. And what does hate dislike? Precisely: love and beauty.

Instead of feeling powerless and afraid, we should be aware that each and every one of us has the gift of bringing a spark of love and beauty into the world and thus to other people.

Simply say thank you to the doctor's assistant for keeping calm even during the hectic Christmas season, bring home-baked cookies to an elderly neighbor with whom you otherwise have little to do, simply tell a colleague what you appreciate about her.

But also take care of yourself and give yourself space to relax and surround yourself with beautiful things: with pleasant experiences, soothing things, and small pleasures.

Yes, of course, these nice things don't solve any of the world's hardships or serious problems. But they make us more resilient and stronger, enabling us to believe in the good and take action. Because the world is actually a much better place than we assume when we look at the headlines.

Therefore, my wish for the Christmas season and the New Year: Open your eyes to all the beauty and goodness around you, and open your heart even wider so that you can even pass some of it on. For more light, lightness, and optimism in both small and large things.

All the best to you and your loved ones and a magical Christmas season!

Yours, Maike Kristina Harich

My studio is taking a short Christmas break. It will reopen on January 6, 2025. I'm looking forward to the new year with great garden projects and new cards in my shop.