For the last few years I missed the bustle of the busy holiday season as our family has gotten smaller, but now I treasure it. There is time to slow down and relax and make thoughtful gifts and write heartfelt notes in Christmas cards. Gone is the chaos of having to purchase a bunch of mass produced things to fill every want and desire. Just a few thoughtful items and time spent together has become the thing we cherish most.
On of our favorite old traditions is decorating the tree and telling stories of each and every ornament. I look forward to seeing those cherished items and usually can't wait for the tree to be up, so very often it is up by mid-November. Which means when friends find out about our tree being up so early it usually conjures a look that makes me feel as if I have gone around the Christmas bend. That is, until I tell them of our tradition and how it gives us more time to enjoy the memories. I tell them of the tradition of unwrapping and repeating the stories and memories surrounding the treasures we have collected over life times. Then I share a story or two just to help them understand. Just about every year someone new becomes part of the story and we find ourselves with another ornament and memory that will be cherished for years to come. So our Christmas tree is really so much more than just a pretty symbol of the season. It is really the vessel of memories of those who have touched our lives past, present, and future. It is nice to have something that rich and full around for a few weeks a year, so what if it stretches into a month or two.
You know as we gaze at the tree and let the memories stir, we even forget to turn on the TV and that is a good thing in these turbulent times. So think about slowing down and taking a breath, just let the memories pool around you and you may find something you have forgotten or thought was lost.
So to you and yours, may you have a peaceful day and time to reflect on this Christmas Day. As for myself I am off to The Studio to work on another project.
Enjoy, Joanne
