“What I consider true generosity : You give your all, and yet you feel as if it costs you nothing.” Simone de Beauvoir

The season of Christmas is a time of year when there is an open generosity of heart. People often go out of their way to be kind, to give of their time, finances, or energy, whether to local food pantries, shelters, charities, or even one’s own family. In general, we tend to other humans with respect, patience, joy and gratitude. This type of giving/receiving in action is a beautiful moment to experience. Hearts are warmed. Spirits brighten. Smiles widen. Generosity is illuminated. Enter, Santa Claus!

For the last month, maybe longer, Santa Claus has been the coming attraction. He closed out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in the usual extravagant style. And, then Santa began showing up in malls, at parties, schools, on street corners, and even in secret. Every time, this jolly, giant elf is the center of attention, the star of the show. Children and adult, alike, anticipate his arrival with wide-eyed expectation. But, Santa doesn’t come empty handed! Oh, my no!! Santa arrives ladened with gifts. Gifts of joy, gratitude, respect, generosity… and, tons of patience!! All of this, and a trinket, toy or bag of sweet treats, too. In every appearance for six weeks or so, Santa gives his heart, time and energy. And yet, it seemingly costs him nothing. Generosity illuminated, and personified.

Since boarding the Viking Sky in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I have experienced a very similar generosity from both the Viking staff and other travelers. For more than a decade I have embraced the concept of “the gift you’ve been given, give as gift.” I’ve thought of it as being kind. However, in the past week I’ve learned that generosity of the spirit is kindness on steroids. As Santa disappears from our collective conscience for the next 12 months, and jingle bells announce a new year, I am challenging myself to become more generous in word, deed and attitude. Will you join me?

“You give your all, and yet you feel as if it costs you nothing”

Three Vistas

Celebrating Christmas aboard the Viking Sky; Emerald/silver jewelry making in Cartagena, Columbia; Immersive cultural experience, Cozumel, Mexico.

Two Thoughtful Threads

• Writing my book, A Magical Summer Day, has been a dream birthed into reality. My team at Miriam Laundry Publishing are like Santa Claus all year long… generous in teaching, always with a smile, and with the intention of making the world a better place. I’m looking forward to my book launch date, May 14, 2026.
• Traveling has exposed me to cultures in a more immersive manner. I am understanding, as if for the first time, how each one contributes threads which over time have been woven into the fabric of life as we know it now.

One Historical Nugget

Did you know that Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy? He explored the oceans on behalf of Spain. In Italian his name was Cristoforo Columbo, but in Spanish this name translates to Cristóbal Colón. Cristóbal made four journeys to the “New World” between 1492 and 1502. He explored a small area of the Caribbean, and Central America. Hence, we now understand how Cristóbal, and Colón, Panama were named.