Tis the season to shop till you drop, write endless greeting cards, bake cookies, go caroling, wrap presents … the list goes on and on. Whoa!
It’s been said time and again that we all need to slow down and enjoy the spirit of the season, and we all try even though we don’t know exactly how to go about it. I think this year I will trim my Christmas card list, but as I write each card, I think what a joy that person is in our lives. So it is with each name on the list.
Each year I vow I will not make so many cookies to share, I will buy a wreath instead of making my own, and give gift cards instead of shopping for each individual. But all of these things have become tradition, and tradition is what ties us to family, friends and each other.
So, how do we break the ties with all the commercialism of the season and get back to the true reason for the season? I am reminded of the tale of the little evergreen tree…
Once there was a tiny Scotch pine that stood with all of its relatives on the big tree farm. It watched year after year as people would come to pick out their Christmas tree and pass it over for a bigger and better tree. It was still at the age where it could be dug up, enjoyed as a holiday tree and then re-planted.
This was not to be. A family finally came and carelessly chopped the little tree down then bound all of its beautiful branches tightly and tied it to the top of their car. Then they proceeded to whiz down the freeway and whisk the tree in their home only to chop off another five inches to make it fit in the room. After they loaded it down with lights and ornaments and tinsel they stood back to admire their prize although you could barely see the tiny tree under all the trimmings.
The little tree was a blessing to them during the holidays. Family and friends would visit and ooh and ahh over it. Then, on December 26, it was stripped of all decorations and cast out the back door to slowly lose its needles and wilt until it was hauled away in the spring.
How sad when it could have been re-planted outside to grow with the family, provide a home and shelter for feathered friends and be a joy for years to come. Sometimes just little things can make a big impact.
I love this season. I love the sights, sounds and smells. Most of all, though, I love the reason for the season. I don’t like the hustle and bustle. Our row of beautiful Blue Spruce behind our house is such a joy to us year after year. I think next year our Christmas tree will be a potted one that can be re-planted. Maybe we can take back Christmas just a little bit at a time. That is what I truly wish for everyone this holiday, that each and every person can find the spirit and the magic that is truly Christmas.
On this thought, I will not be blogging next week, but rather will be enjoying family and friends. I will be back to welcome the New Year. Until then, we wish a blessed Christmas to all.
