Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

We are in the happy circumstance of a lot of neighbor invites for the holidays.  We went to one yesterday and had fun, another is today, another tomorrow and one Monday.  We'll see friends, snack and "catch up".  This to me is the spirit of Christmas.  None of us needs a gift.  We treasure our friendships so much more.  I love to see how others' houses are decorated, and I do have a thing for Christmas trees, even fake ones.  My friend last night collects Russian ornaments, finely hand painted, and also those ornaments that are sparkling and very breakable.  They are a wonder to behold.  There is a history to each ornament and amazing craftsmanship.  I tend to homemade and soft wool felt ornaments - the nonbreakable variety, but I love to admire the elaborate ones.  They seem very special because they are so fragile.  And friendships, too, are fragile, and breakable, unless you are careful, and value the beauty you have in your hand.