We're heading into winter wonderland. I mean that in two ways. First, the traditional way. Things slow down, and hopefully we get a chance to relax and not just count our wonderful blessings but savor them in a state of wonder, appreciation and awe.
Second, the other meaning of wonder, as in "hmmm... I wonder."
Wonder is a contranym, a word that means two opposite things. Dust, for example, which means to remove dust when dusting furniture, but also to apply dust when dusting for fingerprints.
Wonder is a contranym in that it means both the state of not seeking more answers and seeking more. When wonder means awe, you have ample answers, so just appreciate in wonder. When wonder means doubt, you need answers and are unsettled until you get them.
This holiday season, I'm looking forward to both kinds of wonder. I want to treat 'Joy to the World' and 'Good Will to All Humans' as both answers, and as questions. Yes, love is the answer. I'll join my fine friends donning now that gay apparel of positivity for the season.