Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
Hamilton Wright Mabie
‘Tis the day before Christmas, and hopefully, you are settling in where you most dearly wish to be. Whether this holiday is deeply spiritual for you or not, its heart is Good, and is an offering of hope and rebirth that humanity could surely benefit from.
Either way, if you are looking for something festive to do, then I highly recommend a quick venture out — not for more shopping — but to slip someone who needs it a small, clandestine miracle or random act of kindness. Or two.
I bet you can think of lots of creative ways to play Secret Santa during this sacred moment of stillness.
But here is an encore of one of my own practices that many of you have asked me to share once again this year. I hope it will inspire you, whatever your beliefs may be, for it is a powerful spell of transformation and abundance. This has been my own tradition on Christmas Eve for many years.
Please join me. Share with others!
The Magical Mystery Miracle Money Practice
This will cost between 10 and 30 or so dollars. More, of course, if you want. Start slowly if you wish, but I would not be surprised if, in coming years, the amount you decide to spend moves up and up. I know it really has for me!
It’s very simple. Here’s how it began.
Once upon a time, many years ago now, by pure coincidence (yeah, right!), I was shopping for a cheap shower curtain liner at one of those dollar stores in a neighborhood I don’t usually frequent. It just happened to be the afternoon of Christmas Eve.
I couldn’t help but notice who was shopping in that dollar store toy department on Christmas Eve: people who were desperate; people who were clearly scraping together everything they had for that last-minute chance to make their children smile. People struggling against overwhelming odds.
Sure, maybe not everyone in the store. But most. Without a doubt.
So, I got a crazy idea. I happened (oh, yes, just another coincidence!) to have a bunch of one-dollar bills in my wallet. I surreptitiously pulled them out and started tucking each one here and there among the toys.
Not so hidden that someone might not find them, but not too obvious, either.
I deliberately skipped over the guns and violence-promoting toys. I didn’t stick them inside books, since I felt that the odds would be fairly low for that particular book to be picked up and the money put to use.
Of course, I was also a bit concerned that my sneaky behavior might be interpreted as shoplifting, instead of shop-putting. So I was careful not to act too suspiciously.
After I planted my money, I paid for my shower curtain and left. I do not recommend hanging around to see the results. That would come much too close to stroking the ego. Plus, I believe it’s best at that point to hand the rest of the job over to Mystery.
In fact, I highly recommend the secrecy of it. Until a few years ago, when I began sharing it here with you, I had only ever told two people about my annual Christmas Eve errand.
I have decided to let you in on my secret, because wouldn’t it be fun if magical mystery miracle money started appearing in lots of places, on a day when families could sure use it.
Over the years, my investment has increased, and I include fives and tens when I can. I also have started placing some near the infants’ clothing, the kids’ coats, the shoes, and other necessities.
I know that every dollar, even if it is only found much later by a clerk doing inventory, is well spent.
And by the time I walk out the door, I am the wealthiest woman alive!
The Final Christmas Candle
Meantime, for everyone celebrating Christmas (instead of, or in addition to, the Solstice), tonight at midnight, or tomorrow on Christmas morning, it is time for you to light your final, center candle.
As before, you’ll light each of the previous ones, but then, the moment of the Divine Birth is celebrated.
With its light, welcome the Redeemer, the Bringer of Light, and vow to renew your own part in the ancient promise of faith, hope, and love that was given on this most holy night.
For we all agree that the greatest of these is love.
Thank you for being a part of the 21st annual Advent Sun Wreath Ceremony. It has been such an honor to celebrate again this year with you and to see how our ceremony has spread and grown, both across the globe, as well as down through multiple generations.
I look forward to our 22nd gathering in 2026, when both the Solstice and Christmas countdowns will be back in sync again. We’ll begin Sunday, Nov. 29th so mark it on your shiny new calendars and diaries.
Wishing peace on Earth and good will to all.
No exceptions.
From our home to yours, blessed be.
Love always,
– Beth
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Dear Beth, May your Season of joy be Blessed!
And yours as well, dear Janee! Merry EVERYTHING! 🎄
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Beth!!!! This lovely ritual and celebration has helped me get through a time of physical and emotional healing while also being along for this holiday season instead of with my children and grandkids. It is all good and a part of my flow of existence in this incarnation. It is certainly a practice of letting go that I must diligently attend for my soul’s purpose in this lifetime. Your words and practices are so very welcome. I also created a song to sing while walking a labyrinth at Solstice that combines the wording of the poems you included.
Simple Song for Solstice Labyrinth Event (melody like Deck the Halls)
Ring the bells of joy and blessings,
Winter wonders, white snow’s fall.
Joyful be our hearts within us,
Open wide the guesting door.
Ring the bells of joy and blessings,
The darkness turns, and will be gone.
On this night, we greet the Sun (Son) Child,
Open now the Gates of Dawn.
Wow! That is absolutely wonderful, Christiana! And walking the labyrinth for Solstice is such a powerful, beautiful practice. I love this.
Thank YOU so much for being with us all, and not being that alone after all. 🌟
Thank you so much for all you do, Beth, and thank you also for this timely yearly reminder of leaving money for others to find. My husband persists in thinking it would look like suspicious behavior, but I persist in doing this practice anyway and just completed this year’s practice a short while ago. I always feel good after doing this, so thank you again!
Yes, it might look suspicious, but if you ever get caught, I don’t think anyone would ever have a problem with it. And the joyous delight of doing it is sooooo worth it, as you have obviously discovered.
Thank you for letting me know you’ve joined in. That makes me feel wonderful!
Thank you so much. I felt much more in rhythm with this holiday season by participating in the gathering. I look forward to next year already.
Cheryl – thank you for the ways that you have contributed to everyone finding their way back to the Spirit of the Season.
Whatever lies ahead in the coming year, remember we are all here and with you. Hearts to hearts always. 💚