I was on Cape Cod recently when I drove past this sign on a busy country road, and said to my partner, “We have to go back! I need a photo!” I loved the image and had to have it.
As Thanksgiving has arrived, and for many, peace remains sadly elusive, I found myself ruminating on regret, which serves no purpose at all, I know. At this time when gratitude is upper-most in our hearts and minds, I found myself thinking about my Mom, who had passed on to her new life a year ago in September. She was such a great Mom. I couldn’t help but think about all the things I wish I’d done for her. All the times I was working, or had other commitments and didn’t make time. The thing is, she didn’t want much except my time and attention. Which I realize now, I shared sparingly. And oh how I wish I had been more generous. She only wanted my presence. A gift that should have been easy enough to give. This lesson is one I’m trying to take forward in life. She teaches me even now.
And so, with this in mind, I decided to approach the holidays differently than any other year, to celebrate more fully in her honor. To be more present. In a less traditional way, I got my partner on board. (No easy task). We put up our skinny little, loved, artificial tree a few weeks before Thanksgiving. (Unheard of!!!) I added several hundred teeny tiny twinkle lights. We enjoyed the tree for a while with only the white lights.
When we returned from a short visit to the Cape we arrived home with several pounds of fresh off-the-bog cranberries. Some are targeted for family Christmas gifts, (shhhh, don’t tell.) Orville Redenbacher and the rest of the fresh berries were carefully strung together and added to the Christmas tree. I only pricked my finger three times. Perhaps next week we’ll add some ornaments. It has been fun to enjoy the slow and gentle unfolding and extension of our holiday season. It feels more peaceful and less frantic.
The Christmas tree represents the birth and light of Christ in a dark world and I’m not sure there has been a darker time since I’ve been alive. The tree is a sign of life, and I pray your tree brings light, life, and especially peace into your holiday season, whenever it begins and however you celebrate. I’m so grateful for you all and appreciate you joining me on this journey. Happy Thanksgiving.
With gratitude and love,
Patty