Here’s a transcript of the video: Well… it’s that time of the year again, when we’re all being forced into a state of jollity and merriment, whether we like it or not.I have done that myself in Tales of the City, celebrating a Christmas spent at Barbary Lane. I’m less likely to do it nowadays because I see it as the myth that it is. It’s not… it’s not what I need.What I need is what I get right now, which is love and peace and a state of overall contentment, because I’m with the people I love. That’s all that matters.And if you don’t have any people to love—if you’re just sitting at home right now—rest assured that I’m with you. I’m here with you right now, wishing you the best. And not because it’s Christmas or Hanukkah or anything else, but because that’s what we deserve this year, because of all the torture that’s happened in the world.It’s hard enough to do anything these days but complain, so I’m trying not to do that. My complaints will come later—probably—but right now I just wish you a peaceful, happy, and joyful part of the year.We all deserve that. And we all should believe in that. Whoever we are, whatever religion we are, there’s a time here for us to find peace in the world.It’s the coldest time of the year in most places, and that’s one of the reasons for the holiday—to stave that off. The lights, the colored lights, all of that. It’s wonderful to see them here in London when we drive into town. It’s not what I rely on, but it’s nice to have.What we need to have, no matter what, is a sense of peace and contentment with the life we’ve been given.Christopher Isherwood, my old mentor, once said, “I’m not afraid of death. I’m afraid of not having lived.” And that is very much my philosophy. I’ve tried to live my life to the fullest and not complain about things so much. Sometimes I’ve succeeded; other times I haven’t—but that’s what I aim for.Especially in these times, it’s easy to become paralyzed, to shut down completely because of all the wickedness in the world. And we must not do that. We must hang on to something we believe in and not succumb to the instinct to shut up, to be quiet.There are a lot of people who would love people like me to shut up and be quiet—but I’m not going to do it. As long as I’ve got a breath in me, I’ll be saying what I believe and wishing the same for others.What I wish for you right now is a lovely holiday of some sort. You don’t have to leave home to do it. You don’t have to be with somebody else to do it. You can be by yourself at home and still celebrate.The main thing is to find peace in your heart, and rely on that.Pet your dog.Pet your cat.Go out and buy a dog or a cat.I’m a great believer in the therapy of animals.And know that there’s love coming in your direction from me. Know that I’m here right now wishing you the best of times.That’s all, really.Love you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit armisteadmaupin.substack.com/subscribe

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