Christmas is my favorite time of year. Even this year, which has been missing some of the traditions of the season, still gives me a glow. I stop and look at our beautiful tree every now and then. We mixed white lights and colored lights and this year I think we got the mix perfect.
It’s also snowing, and I don’t know about you, but my brain kicks into “snow day” mode when that happens. I don’t feel much like working or doing anything except watching the snow fall until I inadvertently take a nap.
I’m really looking forward to Christmas break this year. Normally this break is a time of year to spend more time with family, but since we are all home 24/7 since March, that part of it will not change. However, taking a break from remote schooling will be nice, and sleeping in is good any time of year.
Will I get any writing done over the break? I’d love to say yes, but past history of the rest of this year says no. It’s been a difficult year, writing-wise for me, and I see no reason why Christmas break will change that. But perhaps I will have a Christmas miracle and get some words on the page.
Right now, I am in a warm, fuzzy, snowy, Christmas-y mood, and that means no real productivity at the moment. For me, that’s part of this time of year—an ability, perhaps even a permission, to remove yourself from the regular hustle and bustle of life. As a kid, I used to take a book and sit next to the tree and read by the colored lights. My daughter likes to lay behind/under the tree and just stare up through the branches. Placing yourself in a different world is part of the magic of the season.
And maybe, after the year we’ve slogged through, that’s what we need. A moment to be outside this world and all its cares and woes. We can’t escape it long, not as adults, but if we can grab enough of those moments of peace, maybe we can emerge from this Christmas season refreshed, ready to face 2021 with whatever it brings.
No matter what holiday you celebrate, I want to wish everyone peace and joy. We certainly all deserve it, after the year we have had.
And The Stockings Were Hung—CoronaLife Day 285
You are reading this on Christmas Eve, but I wrote it on Christmas Eve Eve. We are rolling into the holiday, and for once I am actually on top of things. Well, my Christmas cards only just arrived today, so they will not go out until after Christmas, but it’s actually pretty normal for me to not have them go out before Christmas, so I’m not concerned. I figure it just helps extend the Christmas season, LOL.
The presents are wrapped and under the tree. Our little family is tucked in tight against the coronavirus. Our Christmas dinner is in the fridge waiting to be cooked. Cookies will be made sometime on Christmas Eve.
We got to see the great conjunction tonight. A few days past its prime, but we had clouds the last two nights. We got out the binoculars and the telescope and saw the pretty sight until a bank of clouds rolled over them. But I am content that we saw it, even for a short time. There is a beauty in the dance of the stars that removes you from the cares of this world.
Christmas is my favorite holiday, and even this year I am feeling a bit of peace. I often stop and admire the tree, which I think we got just right this year. My family, although not all together, is all healthy and safe. My mom-in-law has been with us since before Thanksgiving so we could all celebrate together safely. And we have been incredibly lucky to escape the economic fallout of this pandemic, as we had the ability to work from home.
2020 has not been kind to a lot of people, and my Christmas wish is for them to find peace and the help they need to get back on their feet. To those grieving a lost loved one, I hope they find comfort. And I hope all of us find a truly happier, healthier year in 2021.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all.