This time of year, especially with a presidential election supposedly actually heating up after what feels like years of build-up, it seems like everything’s flying. Here in New England, for one, snow: we got our first real, albeit small, snow—and our first snow (ice) day. The contemplative writer part of me never wants six kids in my house on a Monday, but in fact, it was a lot of fun to have those giddy kids playing together. I tried to remember that snow days are, when you’re a kid, just about the best thing ever…

Now, had this seasonally appropriate weather acted as a harbinger that we—the collective we—were suddenly all as moved by Mr. Gore as many of my friends and me, I’d have felt even better about our very early snow day. Unfortunately, the newspaper headline about the disappearing fish in our local Mill River was enough to remind me that no big sighs of relief are forthcoming. But amongst the ideas that I find flying right now: green as the new black isn’t going to bring those big exhalations; here at year’s end, especially when thinking long and hard about our next presidential (and house and senate choices), it’s critical to remember that the most significant changes are going to be policies we adhere to, from carbon emissions to cars’ mileage requirements to investing in rail systems to finally realizing that the entire population’s health is our collective business and responsibility. Conversion, conservation, and community: think of these ideas and ideals as the ones that can change us. I was heartened last night when talking to a friend to learn how she’s noticed that while her extended family used to think her living more green was crazy, they’ve begun to adopt some of her ways. Moving the conversation from “green” toward an understanding of what sustainability means, that’s a good New Year’s resolution for all.

 Another idea flying at this time of year: the over-consumption and over-commercialization of our buy-crazy culture. During this holiday season, we are over-buying to the tune of $455 billion (to really get into this “shopocalypse” theory, see Morgan Spurlock’s new film on the subject, What Would Jesus Buy?). Consumerism—its lure over our daily lives, for one—and most especially the lock big corporations have upon the policies that are determining our present and our future (think, Iraq, auto makers, big Pharma, fast-food, diet) is one idea we need to not only discuss but act upon. How to act is difficult: boycotting a particular chain probably has limited effect. Still, for what it’s worth, you can continue to press your representatives to represent you and not corporate interests. You can push this crop of candidates about mileage requirements and single payer health plans. Meanwhile, you may find yourself thinking these big and somewhat despairing thoughts about how overstuffed our culture is, and how overstuffed our own lives are, while at the same time, be getting caught up in the seasonal push to give-give-give some more. If you or I stop buying, does that change the tide? Of course not, but this year, I’m trying to tone it down and to add some gifts that are about giving back and giving thanks rather than merely adding stuff (and yet, I’m adding lots of stuff).

This is also a time of year when thankful thoughts fly especially generously. I am particularly grateful to my kids’ amazing teachers (not just their classroom teachers, their coaches and art and music and dance and Pilates instructors, too). Witnessing my kids making new discoveries, believing in their creativity and intelligence, strength and kindness, well, that’s an incredible gift. I hope I take the time to tell these compassionate and smart mentors and models just how much they mean to us. Grateful, too, am I to my kids and my kids’ friends for bringing nothing shy of joy to my life. I am continually thankful to know them and grow alongside them. They are good fun! And I’ve got more good will and love in my life from husband, friends, and family than anyone should hope to have.

What a mixed-up jumble, these thoughts flying at year’s end!