Vendor Writing: Jen A.

We Gather Together

BY JEN A., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

In this season of winter solstice, when we feel there aren't enough hours in the day and the nights are long and gloomy, peoples throughout the history of our civilized world have created celebrations that are meant to bring more light into our lives at this time of year.

Pagans observed Yule. Many of the holiday rituals established in their celebration continue through today in the festivals of other cultural and religious modern-day tribes. Universally within these tribes, the winter solstice is a time to gather with family and friends. It is a time to bring light to an otherwise dark world. And while we revel in the comfort of those closest to us and the traditions of our tribe, what do we really know or understand about the people of other tribes?

For a while now, it seems as though we Americans from different tribes have no interest in getting to know and appreciate each other. Misconceptions about our differences, driven largely by lies and innuendo from wealthy, powerful individuals who find personal and political advantage in our divisions, drive us further and further apart. What once may have been indifference to another tribe has devolved into a disturbing hatred for the other. The conservative stance seems to be that the other is evil.

This winter solstice, my fondest wish is for us to embrace someone outside of our own tribe. Invite someone from an unfamiliar cultural or religious tribe to dinner. Take a walk with someone from a different tribe. Join an organization with a diverse membership. For God's sake, get to know your neighbors. Get out into the real world for a change and stop closing yourself off inside the echo chamber of your own tribe. The air and exercise will do you good. We're all in this together. It's time we started acting like it.

To all of my sisters and brothers who are Black, White, Brown, trans, straight, gay, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, non-affiliated, and anyone who dwells just beyond the border of social norms; have a peaceful and loving winter solstice filled with kindness and understanding as we gather together in celebration of the light within us all.