The rhythm of life continues. The beat of the events of life goes on and on and on. It seems like the “beat” of Christmas was just here. I know I’m beat.

Am I the only one who feels like it was just a very few months ago that we were putting all of the Christmas stuff back into the attic? Time for me is spinning out of control. Every time I turn around, it’s time to tear off another month’s page off of the calendar.

There is a theory out there that the older one gets, the faster time goes by. I’m a believer. I don’t know whether Einstein had an opinion on that, but I’m thinking it would be an equation rivaling E=MC².

It has occurred to me that I’m 40 years older than Jesus was at the time of his death. I don’t want to think about it much though, because it’s kind of depressing.

Anyway, Christmas is upon us. As the Christmas song tells us, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year!” That may be true, unless you’re counting the time of putting away the lawnmower for the season, or the time of hearing that you’ve won a trip to Hawaii. (That lawnmower “time” happens to me every year. That Hawaii “time” has happened to me once — in 1988.)

Christmas really is a wonderful time of year. And the most wonderful part of it is connected with family, friends and the kindness of people in general. I’ve noticed acts of kindness here in Sanpete this Christmas season. Multiple “angel tree” events have been successful. Community events have brought people together in a spirit of unity.

Our family went out last weekend to one of the local “care centers” and greeted and visited with the residents. We gave them small Christmas flowers (I said it that way so that if you are reading this column out loud you wouldn’t have to pronounce poinsettias — opps, sorry)

My wife and daughter wanted us to try to do something good that would be a service and a memory maker for our family. It worked. We had a great time.

My 2-year old granddaughter Phoebe was brave enough to approach people who are well into their 80s and 90s (one resident is 105). Phoebe gave the greeting, “Merry Christmas!” She can answer the questions of how old she is and what her name is, as well.

People were pleased to be greeted. Phoebe met people there who had aunts or grandmas who were named Phoebe. We all know that names cycle around over the years and centuries.

I mentioned here a week or two ago that I continue to be a fan of the now discontinued comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes.” Speaking of the rapid passage of time, I can scarcely believe that it’s been 30 years (Dec, 31, 1995) since Bill Watterson’s last comic strip ran.

In the strip, Calvin is a 6-year-old boy and Hobbes is his alter ego stuffed animal tiger. It’s still possible to see the occasional strip on the internet and Facebook.

There were memorable Christmas Calvin and Hobbes comics. In one, Calvin says, “Yep, Christmas is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate a religious holiday than with a month of frenzied consumerism!”

Hobbes comments, “I’m surprised other religions haven’t picked up on that.”

Calvin concludes, “Getting loads of loot is a very spiritual experience for me.”

Another strip shows Calvin writing a letter to Santa.

Calvin writes, “Dear Santa, Every year at this time I send you a list of what I want for Christmas. And every year you callously ignore it and bring me practical things I don’t want at all. What’s the deal?!”

“Are you insane? Have you gone senile?? Can’t you read?? Or are you just a vindictive, twisted elf bent on destroying little kid’s dreams?!?!”

As Hobbes reads the letter, he says, “You might want to sleep on this one.”

Calvin replies, “I know, but it felt good to write it.”

The tradition of having a daily, real newspaper delivered to the porch is gone now in Sanpete. Reading the “Christmasy” comics has been replaced by finding internet memes and comics on websites. I miss those old-fashtioned newspaper days. I sometimes look out onto the porch and imagine seeing a newspaper sitting there. (sigh)

However, other traditions continue. I hope you have Christmas traditions that bind you to the season. It makes the rhythm of life of this “most wonderful time of the year” satisfying.

Some of you have a tradition of making fudge at Christmas time. My wife has made a lot of fudge this year for gifting to neighbors. Giving away goodies is fun. Receiving goodies is fun.

If you have the tradition of making fudge, share it. If you have a tradition of dipping chocolates, share a few. If you have a tradition of making caramel popcorn, make enough for others.

Oh, and by the way, I’m totally available for sharing purposes if you’re looking for opportunities of random acts of kindness. (I shouldn’t tease about that. I’m trying to cut down on sugar. But I also believe in the “doctrine of exceptions” for special occasions.)

Enjoy Christmas! Enjoy family and friends. Sing together. Read Christmas stories together. Play together. Remember Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Make memories. — Merrill

P.S. A sign in the care center we visited read, “Work Hard, and Be Kind to People.”