It is Christmas Eve here in Newberg, Oregon, USA. We are looking forward to one of our favorite traditions, hot chocolate and “The Polar Express” with Alexis and Joe.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over).” It asks, “Another year older and what have you done?” Certainly a good thing to consider. Then, “A merry, merry Christmas/and a Happy New Year/let’s hope it’s a good one/without any fear.” Considering the state of the world it is just as fitting today as it was in 1971 when the Viet Nam war was in full swing.

As I think forward to 2024 a life and world without fear – a time of peace in our world and in our lives – would be so wonderful, no matter how far out of reach it seems.

Yesterday I did this sketch of two of the people I care most about in this world – Tricia and Alexis cooking together.

Since it is Christmas, I am going to give myself, and hopefully those I come in contact with, a present. Jimmy Buffett sang that the only resolution he would make was to make no resolutions. Most years I follow his sage advice, however this year I am making a resolution, a Christmas present to myself. My goal is to reduce my fears I and to embrace peace.

With that in mind I want to reduce the amount of daily news I read, all that negativity can’t be doing me any good at all, I know it makes me edgy. So just “The Gardian” news each morning, turning off notifications. Less video games would not hurt, but…?

The time freed from the news will allow more time for prayer and meditation, seeking much needed peace and grace. Hopefully that can spread to the people I come in contact with. Us old guys risk turning into curmudgeons, humorous in movies but not so good in reality. It is a hard fact that I am not always as peaceful and graceful as I would like, so send thoughts my way.

Christmas has always been a time of reflection for me, looking at the good and not so good. We have been so blessed to live in France, travel, and now spend a bit of time with friends and family. Personally I have had a few victories, yet of course there are plenty of challenges for the coming year.

So Merry Christmas to you, I hope as you look back over 2023 you focus on the positive times with friends, family, travel, and food. If you are a sketcher think of the things that worked, then learn from those that fell short. For the coming year I wish you peace, paint that flows just right, and fountain pens the never clog.

Merry Christmas, “For unto us a child is born…His name shall be called the Prince of Peace.”