Halloween may have just passed, but in my home, the magic of Christmas has already begun! Now, don’t come for me—I promise, Thanksgiving will have its moment of glory. I'll be hosting around 30 people, and the pumpkins and gourds will rightfully reclaim center stage. But if you know me, you know Christmas is my favorite time of year.

This year, I have five Christmas trees—a modest number compared to the nine I once had in our previous house. Back then, our home seemed made for such festive extravagance, but even now, my love for these trees hasn’t diminished. I simply can’t bear to limit their beauty to just one month.

Thanks to Covid (and maybe a little help from Hobby Lobby), it feels more acceptable than ever to start celebrating early. For me, it’s not just about the ornaments or the carefully tied bows; it’s the lights. Those twinkling lights hold something magical. They’re a symbol of my faith, a reminder of the everlasting light Christ brought to the world. And as I reflect on this, I realize Christians aren’t alone in celebrating light. Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Vesak all honor light as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over darkness.

So why is light so universally symbolic? It’s not just a physical phenomenon; it’s a metaphor for something far greater—the power of presence, kindness, and inner peace.

Have you ever been near someone whose energy just puts you at ease? They don’t need to say a word—their calmness, their quiet grace, speaks volumes. These are the people who carry light within, illuminating every room they enter. It’s not an accident; it’s a choice—a practice of intentional presence and mindfulness and for me my faithfulness to something bigger than myself. 

To cultivate this light in your life:

• Practice being fully present in the moment, whether enjoying your morning coffee or listening to a friend.
• Breathe deeply and release the urge to control or fix everything around you.
• Think of presence like a flame—it grows stronger the more you nurture it.

The brightest lights in our lives often come from those who give selflessly, expecting nothing in return. Their kindness flows freely, born from a place of abundance. This doesn’t mean they sacrifice themselves; rather, they give from a full heart, authentically and generously.

How can you embrace this mindset?

• Offer small, intentional acts of kindness, like a genuine smile or a thoughtful compliment.
• Let go of the need for recognition or reciprocation.
• Trust that your actions, however small, can create ripples of positivity in the world.

Cultivating Inner Calm

This is one of the hardest things for me—I struggle with it every single day. But every morning, I get up and try again. The truth is, the most radiant light comes from within. To share that light with others, you first need to find your own sense of peace. When you feel grounded and balanced, your presence naturally brings comfort and inspiration to those around you.

Simple ways to cultivate inner calm include:

• Mindfulness Meditation: Spend just 5–10 minutes each day focusing on your breath and quieting your mind.
• Gratitude Journaling: Write down the things that bring you joy. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s abundant.
• Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself kindly, as you would to a dear friend. When your inner voice is gentle, your outer presence becomes soothing.

Becoming a Beacon of Light

I’m a work in progress, but I’m striving to get there. Bringing light into the world isn’t about being perfect—in fact, it’s our imperfections that make us relatable and inspiring to others. It’s not so much about what we do, but how we show up—in our relationships, at work, and in our communities—that allows us to be a source of light.

To embody light, remind yourself daily:

• I am enough, just as I am.
• I can be a source of calm, warmth, and inspiration.
• My presence makes a difference.

A Ripple Effect of Radiance

We have all met those people that just bring us joy and happiness when your’re around them. For me it is the easiest to see in children. Being around my grandchildren just makes me happier. When you carry light within you, you naturally ignite it in others. Your kindness and generosity create ripples that extend far beyond what you can see. As these ripples grow, they make the world a little brighter, a little warmer, and a little more hopeful.

This season, whether you’re lighting a Christmas tree, a menorah, or a diya, remember the deeper meaning of those lights. They’re not just symbols of celebration—they’re reminders of the light we carry within ourselves.

At Wise, we believe that becoming a source of light is one of the greatest gifts you can give—to yourself and to the world. Start today. Be present. Be kind. Be radiant. Watch as your light inspires others to shine.

Stay Wise,
Dedee Boring
WiseMind