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The Holiday Season is quite different at our house this year.
We would have put up some outdoor lights, and done some decorating indoors too.
Over the past fifteen years I've painted little plaster houses which are arranged to make
miniature villages. One is Victorian, one Old English, and one a turn of the century American
Farm. Little 'bee' lights stuffed in them make a neat display, all set on fake snow. Complete
with little people, sleighs, and carolers. We haven't had a big tree in years, but a small
maybe five foot, fresh cut balsam, decorated in small antique ornaments has been the
center of our Christmas. A nice wreath on the front door completes bringing in the season.
The wreath is up.
Everything else is packed in the attic. I can't get them down alone, and JC can't help. Still
much to sore to raise his arms over his head, or to lift the boxes if I could get them down.
So the season will pass without our festive trappings. I do miss them, I've always enjoyed
'doing' the villages and trimming the tree. A bit of creativity as well as a time not devoted to
the usual work. Doing those little things that made the season special.
I used to do a lot of baking for the Holidays too, but with just the two of us now, I may
bake a small batch or two of our favorite Christmas cookies - nothing like some years ago.
Then it took all three of my daughters to help! I have saved all the recipes 'tho, maybe
one day one of them will pick up the traditional cookies and breads.
I've thought about our situation and frankly got very depressed. I sogged around in it for a
few days really feeling sorry for myself and us.
Of course I know the trappings are not what Christmas is really about. And it's not about
presents either. But one did come in the mail, a lovely box of candy, sent by new friends in
Oregon.
The candy, which included some wonderful English Toffee, triggered some memories - at first
it was the clink of the chain collar worn by my best dog ever, Beastie. He was nuts about
English Toffee, and even though he would not touch a thing on a counter or table without
permission, would sneak a piece of toffee. In fact he would eat the whole dish! The clink of
the collar on the edge of the little porcelain candy dish gave him away. I can still see the look on the face of that big black lab. For him it was the best of everything - surpassing ducks and chasing the snowshoe rabbit who came to play with him in the dead of winter.
The memory door swung open, and a flood of things associated with Christmas filled my mind,
heart and soul. Other places, friends, other times. Christmas past.
No, our house will not have the 'look' of Christmas this year, but really it isn't the 'look' that
matters is it?
We keep Christmas in our hearts.
To you and your loved ones, how ever you celebrate your holiday season, in what country
you live, or which religion you may follow, may your Creator also be kept in your heart.
~ LadyFisher
Here is the FAOL
~Traditional Christmas Story~
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