The tradition of sending a Christmas Letter to one’s circle of friends appears to be on the wane, if not on life support, these days. I only get one now, from the very traditional Ed Furey (Thanks, Ed!). But getting Ed’s letter this year made me think about that tradition. And so I decided I would send my Christmas Letter to all of you, who are not only my readers but also a friendship circle.
I have gotten to know you through my friend and National Treasure, Heather CR. It has been a pleasure to “meet” you and Robert Hubbell in this past year….the three of you have helped me (and SO) many others better frame and understand current events…..and retain our sanity and our moral call to duty. Good luck to your partner health wise….yep that’s a horrible card to hold. In the Quaker manner, I hold you both (and, well, why not?) and All your Friends in the Light. From Maine, Peter
I LOVE Christmas letters. And Santa Claus. And Baby Jesus. And the guardians watching over us all and setting a stage occasionally.
I’m proud of you, TC, for your tenacity as an author and also the modest surprise you demonstrate at the success of your work. Very fabulous. The glass is a bit more than half full at the last week of the year. And this year’s holidays feel the best to me in a long time. I suggest connection in any way one can make it with our youngins’ of all ages. Our future is with them and not one I have spoken to envision it as that being conjured, conspired, and crammed down the throat of media. They breeze through the reporting in a diligent manner but digest it differently than their elders.
In general, I’ve met so many people in ‘20 and ‘21 through campaigns, digital relationship, and encounters. I have resounding faith in relationship as a fulcrum for our humanness.
“We got some shit to do in ‘22.” So let’s get at it with faith and enthusiasm. That will encourage outcomes full of Light.
Thank you for your Christmas letter. As you said, the tradition seems to be fading away. I now only receive two each year. But what has happened instead is an increase in digital "letters" - and even REALLY old school actual phone calls! It has been fun getting to "know" you via this substack community and also on HCR. You also introduced me to Lucian Truscott, for which I am grateful. As of this writing, I am now a subscriber to SIX substack communities, and have formed friendships with many there.
Years ago, when Truthout.org ran a blog, I "met" several friends from all over the country. When the blog blew up suddenly due to an onslaught of GOP trolls and they could no longer administer it, we friends "found" each other via other means and we have been friends since. We even exchanged phone numbers and had "meetings" via conference calls! One of them I actually DID meet in person, when she came to Austin to organize the first out-of-country performance ever of the Chinese "flying monks" and I went up to help her. She now lives in Hawaii and we still keep in touch. So, there are ways and there are ways to connect and to stay connected!
I'm very sorry about the Parkinson's. I am familiar with it through friends unfortunately.
Hello, TC, my friend whom I’ve never met. I’ve felt a connection to you, more than some other HRC commentators, because we’re both on the West Coast, have (or in my case had) ties to the movie business, and have Parkinsonian partners. The disease is indeed a bitch. I wish you two all the best.
I was just thinking about Xmas letters which my parents received from the 50’s through the decades that followed. And the annual photos, real tree, and incredible decorations that haunted me for years. While I’m mercifully free from all of that, I am grateful for your today’s Xmas letter. Why? Because, your voice jumped off the LFAA “page” from 2020 on and supported me during this dark, terrifying year. I was so relieved to read your knowing, witty, angry - insert any adjective you like - comments. It’s why I’m here. Your voice. Your spirit. Some days, I just say “YES!!!!!!” Thank you for being out there in outer internet space. 🎄❤️🤍💙
Blessings be to you and your partner. It's been quite a year. I had hoped with you know who out of office there might be a little less stress coming out of DC. Who knew the other pandemic would be the gop having gone totally rogue? Despite chaos that appears to always be getting the upper hand, I believe ultimately in Cosmos. Even though we can't always see it the Light does prevail.
I met you through HCR and was impressed enough by your comments to subscribe here, too. Thank you for complementing her perspective, without which I would have fallen down a rabbit hole of despair.
I wish you and your partner courage in the new year. It’s a difficult journey for both of you. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thanks TC. Your letter, the TGYC and the continuing discussions here and on HCR's letters have made this a more interesting and much more positive year than it would have been otherwise. Best wishes for a blessed and more peaceful New Year.
Best wishes to your partner as well, like a number of us I've seen Parkinson's at first hand and continue to hope and pray for a cure.
Thank you for the Christmas letter. I have 35 years of mine on file, a mini history of my family. I'd be happy to send you this year's. Need an email address.
A beautiful Christmas morning to you and your partner, TC. I still pray for you both each night that, as the Psalms say, " God may hold you both "in the palm of his hands" as you together make this part of the journey with that "Bitch" Parkinsons!
Thank you for being a breath of fresh air, for your storytelling that captures attention and imagination, for your just anger at the stupidities of the world ( & ultra-creative language--you have taught me new words, phrases --wonderful in their disdain!!), and for your persistence in your craft. Recognition of your excellence is a reward well earned.
Just for today, soak in the joy! The stupidity will remain for you to go tilting at tomorrow.
Your letter reminds me that, in our Covid&Tech times, "presence" is taking on layers and layers of new meaning and experience. I am grateful for you and all the wonderful people you and HCR gather for walking with me on the awful pilgrimage of the past few years. I hang on to that " thing with feathers", Hope!!
Merry Christmas to you both, may the peace that Christmas heralds, not the commercial version, but the one that brings joy to the world, permeate the coming year. I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to reading your comment’s on HRC’s wonderful letters, we think more alike than not. Being passionate about our love of this country is something that binds all of us together, I feel blessed to have found all of you 🙏
I read your Christmas letter with both gladness and a heavy heart -- gladness to know that there is, indeed, a friendship brewing through your amazing writings and a heavy heart for you and your dear partner. Parkinson's is the pits -- a dear friend in the real world is struggling with it.
Sending you and your partner the gifts of the season: its hope, its light and its love. In deep gratitude for your wisdom and friendship on this substack and through HCR's,
I have gotten to know you through my friend and National Treasure, Heather CR. It has been a pleasure to “meet” you and Robert Hubbell in this past year….the three of you have helped me (and SO) many others better frame and understand current events…..and retain our sanity and our moral call to duty. Good luck to your partner health wise….yep that’s a horrible card to hold. In the Quaker manner, I hold you both (and, well, why not?) and All your Friends in the Light. From Maine, Peter
I LOVE Christmas letters. And Santa Claus. And Baby Jesus. And the guardians watching over us all and setting a stage occasionally.
I’m proud of you, TC, for your tenacity as an author and also the modest surprise you demonstrate at the success of your work. Very fabulous. The glass is a bit more than half full at the last week of the year. And this year’s holidays feel the best to me in a long time. I suggest connection in any way one can make it with our youngins’ of all ages. Our future is with them and not one I have spoken to envision it as that being conjured, conspired, and crammed down the throat of media. They breeze through the reporting in a diligent manner but digest it differently than their elders.
In general, I’ve met so many people in ‘20 and ‘21 through campaigns, digital relationship, and encounters. I have resounding faith in relationship as a fulcrum for our humanness.
“We got some shit to do in ‘22.” So let’s get at it with faith and enthusiasm. That will encourage outcomes full of Light.
Cheers!
Thank you for your Christmas letter. As you said, the tradition seems to be fading away. I now only receive two each year. But what has happened instead is an increase in digital "letters" - and even REALLY old school actual phone calls! It has been fun getting to "know" you via this substack community and also on HCR. You also introduced me to Lucian Truscott, for which I am grateful. As of this writing, I am now a subscriber to SIX substack communities, and have formed friendships with many there.
Years ago, when Truthout.org ran a blog, I "met" several friends from all over the country. When the blog blew up suddenly due to an onslaught of GOP trolls and they could no longer administer it, we friends "found" each other via other means and we have been friends since. We even exchanged phone numbers and had "meetings" via conference calls! One of them I actually DID meet in person, when she came to Austin to organize the first out-of-country performance ever of the Chinese "flying monks" and I went up to help her. She now lives in Hawaii and we still keep in touch. So, there are ways and there are ways to connect and to stay connected!
I'm very sorry about the Parkinson's. I am familiar with it through friends unfortunately.
Merry Christmas!
Hello, TC, my friend whom I’ve never met. I’ve felt a connection to you, more than some other HRC commentators, because we’re both on the West Coast, have (or in my case had) ties to the movie business, and have Parkinsonian partners. The disease is indeed a bitch. I wish you two all the best.
I'm sorry about your partner. Truly.
I was just thinking about Xmas letters which my parents received from the 50’s through the decades that followed. And the annual photos, real tree, and incredible decorations that haunted me for years. While I’m mercifully free from all of that, I am grateful for your today’s Xmas letter. Why? Because, your voice jumped off the LFAA “page” from 2020 on and supported me during this dark, terrifying year. I was so relieved to read your knowing, witty, angry - insert any adjective you like - comments. It’s why I’m here. Your voice. Your spirit. Some days, I just say “YES!!!!!!” Thank you for being out there in outer internet space. 🎄❤️🤍💙
Blessings be to you and your partner. It's been quite a year. I had hoped with you know who out of office there might be a little less stress coming out of DC. Who knew the other pandemic would be the gop having gone totally rogue? Despite chaos that appears to always be getting the upper hand, I believe ultimately in Cosmos. Even though we can't always see it the Light does prevail.
I met you through HCR and was impressed enough by your comments to subscribe here, too. Thank you for complementing her perspective, without which I would have fallen down a rabbit hole of despair.
I wish you and your partner courage in the new year. It’s a difficult journey for both of you. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thanks TC. Your letter, the TGYC and the continuing discussions here and on HCR's letters have made this a more interesting and much more positive year than it would have been otherwise. Best wishes for a blessed and more peaceful New Year.
Best wishes to your partner as well, like a number of us I've seen Parkinson's at first hand and continue to hope and pray for a cure.
Thank you for the Christmas letter. I have 35 years of mine on file, a mini history of my family. I'd be happy to send you this year's. Need an email address.
Dear TC,
A beautiful Christmas morning to you and your partner, TC. I still pray for you both each night that, as the Psalms say, " God may hold you both "in the palm of his hands" as you together make this part of the journey with that "Bitch" Parkinsons!
Thank you for being a breath of fresh air, for your storytelling that captures attention and imagination, for your just anger at the stupidities of the world ( & ultra-creative language--you have taught me new words, phrases --wonderful in their disdain!!), and for your persistence in your craft. Recognition of your excellence is a reward well earned.
Just for today, soak in the joy! The stupidity will remain for you to go tilting at tomorrow.
Your letter reminds me that, in our Covid&Tech times, "presence" is taking on layers and layers of new meaning and experience. I am grateful for you and all the wonderful people you and HCR gather for walking with me on the awful pilgrimage of the past few years. I hang on to that " thing with feathers", Hope!!
Best to you and your lovely partner.
Among your circle of friends,
Carol Stanton
Congratulations on your success!
Love you, TC...beyond Christmas and the New Year!
Merry Christmas to you both, may the peace that Christmas heralds, not the commercial version, but the one that brings joy to the world, permeate the coming year. I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to reading your comment’s on HRC’s wonderful letters, we think more alike than not. Being passionate about our love of this country is something that binds all of us together, I feel blessed to have found all of you 🙏
May 2022 have more joys than sorrows. A peaceful holiday season to you and your partner.
Dear TC,
I read your Christmas letter with both gladness and a heavy heart -- gladness to know that there is, indeed, a friendship brewing through your amazing writings and a heavy heart for you and your dear partner. Parkinson's is the pits -- a dear friend in the real world is struggling with it.
Sending you and your partner the gifts of the season: its hope, its light and its love. In deep gratitude for your wisdom and friendship on this substack and through HCR's,
Rowshan