The last several years, I have been a whole lot more aware of these posts and these   and, of course this year, even a little bit more. Because I’m always more aware of things that effect ME. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, It’s a nice thought, that Christmas is about family and friends and people, and that’s a whole lot less superficial than a Christmas about expensive decorations and greedy gift openings. But in our haste to make Christmas less commercial, we have chosen another tangible reason for the season. Instead of presents, it’s about presence.  Could there be anything wrong with that? And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men. Well, to be fair, there could. Because find a widow celebrating her first Christmas alone, and tell her that the day is about being with loved ones. Find someone who has recently lost their parent, and tell them that the season is about celebrating with family. Or, in our case, tell my kids that Christmas is about those who will sit around the tree Christmas morning when they know that their dad will sit a world away.   And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said   I love the idea that Christmas is not about things.  I love the hope that Christmas is about being together. I love the thought of Christmas being about the presence of our loved ones. But the truth is, that’s only a comfort to those who have that opportunity. I want to say that everyone has the chance to be around *someone* who loves them this Christmas, even if it…