Feeling Christmas Again
Well here we are, Christmas time again... I known these are the lyrics of "Band Aid", but they best describe the thoughts I've been having about how I'm planning to reflect on my first year of this blog. I thought I would look back and try to sum up the year, but I'm not sure if I'm brilliant enough to capture a poignant message succinctly.
So...here my thoughts will come in the form of moments. Here are two I captured on my cell phone camera.
First. Started out the day at the auto repair shop. Since I would have about 90 minutes to kill, I planned ahead. In the past the old me would have been fussy about having to "wait" for my car (how annoying). The new me saw this as an opportunity to indulge myself in a favorite activity... voyeurism. Now wait, you do it to. I walked to my nearby coffee shop, grabbed a vinti, skinny vanilla latte and sat down with my new book and tablet.
As a chronic multi-tasker, I spent a decedent hour drooling over new craft ideas, sipping a deliciously rich coffee, typing ideas in my digital journal, and eves-dropping on conversations. I saw a group of ladies (my age or a little older) share a gift exchange. They were lamenting not having enough time to spend with one another because of work and family. They spoke of their children's achievements, and congratulated one another on their own accomplishments from the year. They shared sorrow for the pain they new others were suffering, and laughed loudly as they poked fun at themselves. Their gifts were personal, entertaining, and graciously received.
While I was at the coffee shop alone, it was easy to pretend I was one of them, gathering together once again. (Another Christmas lyric, did you catch that?)
Second photo. Much later into the day, after completing my long list of errands, and working on finishing my hand made gift list... I had made dinner and my husband put the lights on our Christmas tree. It's his favorite time of year. Not because of the festivities, or the gifts, or the religious implications. He just simply loves the lights.
The holiday lights represent peace and homecoming to us. Since daylight is short this time of year, the twinkling lights shining from both inside and outside the house beacon us into the safe harbor of our warm home.
Plus, Tom and I work two different shifts, so frequently the only time we see each other are afternoons and evenings on the weekend. Our favorite activity together is sitting in the living room with nothing but the lights of the tree to illuminate us. A holiday tree does have ethereal glow about it. It mysteriously calms the mind and wraps the soul in a peaceful sigh.
So last evening, (as is tradition), we got our jammies on, I threw in a batch of toll house cookies, and we watched sappy Christmas movies on TV. It's pretty dull I know. But we're simple folk, who were able to experience happiness when all was calm, and all was bright.
May you too find your illumination this holiday.
So...here my thoughts will come in the form of moments. Here are two I captured on my cell phone camera.
First. Started out the day at the auto repair shop. Since I would have about 90 minutes to kill, I planned ahead. In the past the old me would have been fussy about having to "wait" for my car (how annoying). The new me saw this as an opportunity to indulge myself in a favorite activity... voyeurism. Now wait, you do it to. I walked to my nearby coffee shop, grabbed a vinti, skinny vanilla latte and sat down with my new book and tablet.
As a chronic multi-tasker, I spent a decedent hour drooling over new craft ideas, sipping a deliciously rich coffee, typing ideas in my digital journal, and eves-dropping on conversations. I saw a group of ladies (my age or a little older) share a gift exchange. They were lamenting not having enough time to spend with one another because of work and family. They spoke of their children's achievements, and congratulated one another on their own accomplishments from the year. They shared sorrow for the pain they new others were suffering, and laughed loudly as they poked fun at themselves. Their gifts were personal, entertaining, and graciously received.
While I was at the coffee shop alone, it was easy to pretend I was one of them, gathering together once again. (Another Christmas lyric, did you catch that?)
Second photo. Much later into the day, after completing my long list of errands, and working on finishing my hand made gift list... I had made dinner and my husband put the lights on our Christmas tree. It's his favorite time of year. Not because of the festivities, or the gifts, or the religious implications. He just simply loves the lights.
The holiday lights represent peace and homecoming to us. Since daylight is short this time of year, the twinkling lights shining from both inside and outside the house beacon us into the safe harbor of our warm home.
Plus, Tom and I work two different shifts, so frequently the only time we see each other are afternoons and evenings on the weekend. Our favorite activity together is sitting in the living room with nothing but the lights of the tree to illuminate us. A holiday tree does have ethereal glow about it. It mysteriously calms the mind and wraps the soul in a peaceful sigh.
So last evening, (as is tradition), we got our jammies on, I threw in a batch of toll house cookies, and we watched sappy Christmas movies on TV. It's pretty dull I know. But we're simple folk, who were able to experience happiness when all was calm, and all was bright.
May you too find your illumination this holiday.
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