I didn't do a tree this year - but I did decorate. Garland on the mantel, with santos and candles; candles in every window, and garland around the Dresden embellished front door. It's fun, but low key.
I think the secret of Christmas is to accept things as they happen - to avoid placing limits upon what and how the holidays are 'supposed' to be. On the other hand, it's important to avoid the sometimes overwhelming tendency to place unreal expectations upon how Christmas should be celebrated - at home, in church, in the public square, and so on.
Christmas happens. Let it.
Photo: The last Christmas trees. New York Social Diary
I have been watching displays around the country.
ReplyDeleteSeasons greetings, joy to the world, expensive decorations, great celebrations.
On the news channels, much to do about the holidays.
The one thing they all have in common:
No Jesus.
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I didn't do a tree this year either. I also put garland and lights on the mantle and the banister on the front staircase and a wreath on the door. I didn't need the extra work and stress of putting up and taking down so many other decorations. It's lovely. It's enough.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a wonderful Christmas, Terry!
"Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just: let the earth be opened, and bud forth a saviour." (Is. xlv. 8.)
ReplyDelete"Pray that sweet Jesus may drop dew upon your soul, as a mystic earth, and bud forth salvation in your heart.
Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just."
- Meditations for Advent and Easter (Saints' Prayers)
It is a holy time of year! :D
I skipped the tree last year, and like you said, Christmas happened. This year I gave my large almost new tree to my hairdresser and replaced it with one half the size. It's more than enough.
ReplyDeleteMy husband's grandmother is very unwell, but it isn't possible for both of us to go and see her, so my husband is leaving on Christmas day, and my parents are coming to keep me company while he's gone. It won't be easy to feel celebratory without him here, but with three dogs in the house it will at least be lively! And the house is beautifully decorated.
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