The world being what it is, there is always plenty of justification for pessimism. Christmas can be especially difficult if we are facing illness, divorce, or financial hardship. The season’s jollity taunts and rebukes us. Our thoughts may turn to those who, without expectation of return, supported us and believed in us, in the vague but civilization-sustaining hope that one day we would vindicate their faith. That these people are too often out of our minds, crowded as we are with the mere business of life, contributes to the moral drift of middle age. We find ourselves further and further from whatever we set out to become. And yet hope, whether it be for eternal salvation or something nearer to hand, must be embraced. We are an optimistic people. That is our signature strength.
