Why We Must Celebrate

There’s a part of me that wants to pull the covers over my head and pretend there’s no Christmas this year. But I’m not going to do it. Why? Because the sheer miracle of making it this far is a blessing I can’t ignore. Despite how I feel some days, this Christmas I’m going to shake off the covers, peel away my blues, put on some real clothes, and CELEBRATE LIFE in whatever way I can.

Hear me, my sisters, when I say it may not be easy. My heart goes out to every person who has experienced a loss this year. Whether it was the loss of a loved one, loss of health, loss of a job or business, loss of security, loss of a relationship, or even the (temporary) loss of hope. I’m not here to tell you not to grieve. I’m here to remind you that even in the midst of our grief there is space to also CELEBRATE making it to this single moment in time.

Whether you celebrate with a group or solo... buy gifts for others, all for yourself, or none... cook a meal for 10 or order takeout for 1, there is space to CELEBRATE, even as we mourn yesterday. And, especially, as we hope for tomorrow.

To help you celebrate, this issue of CONNECT features three yanasisters who will share why, in spite of it all, we must find ways to celebrate the gift of love, we must put aside the holiday “shoulds” to recognize the magic of this moment, and we must continue our ancestors’ legacies even as we grieve their loss. Finally, our Editor-in-Chief will remind us that this difficult time we’re in affords us a precious opportunity to find peace in the stillness...I hope these stories will bless you as much as they’ve blessed me, and that you’ll find inspiration for your own journeys.

I thank you, my sisters, for being one of the greatest gifts I’ve received in this lifetime. I’m sending you love, light, and prayers that 2021 will bring us all more things to celebrate and more reasons to live. Happy Holidays, Imani

P.S. This issue is dedicated to Vivian Gilliam (Cheryl Green’s mother), and all of the other mothers and grandmothers who paved the way for us. We will do our best to continue your legacies and to make you proud!