As we approach the height of the holiday season, we face external pressures. Finding the perfect tree. Giving the perfect gift. Hosting the perfect party. Having the perfect moment. I emphasize the word perfect because it is an illusion. The more we strive for perfection the more un-perfect it gets. With perfection comes expectation. In life, we only have the ability to look within; we cannot expect anything from others.
At the holiday season, it is truly hard … sometimes quite frightening to realize that these days in late December labeled holidays will not always sparkle, shine and be magical. Yes holidays are a time to celebrate, but celebration is a relative term. For some it means a large gathering. For others it means a special time with a select few. Or perhaps even quiet moments alone.
I love my family and my friends. But I need time alone. I just lost my mother. I have been going at a frenetic pace and I want time for me. To relax, take a bubble bath, listen to music, read, draw and visit friends and enjoy the company of others.
One of my favorite things at this time of year is the smell of the tree … that spicy evergreen smell. The prickly sensation on my finger tips when I put ornaments on its branches. It is an opportunity to care and love something. To create a beautiful treasure within your home with candles, stars, colorful orbs, tinsel, garlands of popcorn and cranberries, elves, snowflakes and reindeer, but my favorite ornament of all is a mouse in a thimble.
This year, I did not want the magic of the tree to die at the end of the season. It is sad enough taking the ornaments off in early January, then lugging a dead tree out to the street corner. So I purchased a dwarf spruce. It is potted. I water and tend to it with love each day. The best part of all is at the beginning of January, I plan to ring in the New Year with a tree planting ceremony.
