Holiday Memories Last

Brightly glowing, the tree stands as centerpiece to a vast kingdom all of my own creation. From every branch and bower, memories peek out in wonder. This one to commemorate a move to a new home, that one from a dear friend, and those to remember loved ones now long gone but still within my heart. Baubles and cards, fairies and elves, snowflakes and angels, and a whole menagerie of stuffed creatures spread out their smiles as artificial candles made real burn calmly, recalling Yuletide festivities of Christmases past. Floating above, a blue-clad angel is guardian, as the dove that sits quietly in her arms exudes the peace and holy silence that surrounds this season.

Garlands of green with shining red berries festoon doorways, window frames, and the walls of my abode. Here and there, little houses with their painted windows shed hospitable light onto tablecloth pathways. And Santa with his whole host of Yuletide elves, snowmen and other revelers parade though the little towns, his sleigh spreading joy and peace on earth wherever they go. And in one corner, the humble scene of a mother and a father surrounded by livestock and three noble figures, cradle the bed of a blessed babe, shining forth like the newborn Sun upon the Solstice morn.

 As snow begins to fall outside, fairy lights shine forth from every house. My own living room bursts forth, making everything that much more special to behold at this time of year. The smell of pine and berries usher forth from the green and red candles that honor the deities of this season while a small burning candle of burgundy serves as festive Yule Log to keep the season going. Keeping hearts warm, smiles to last longer, food to taste better, gifts to bring delight amidst the darkest of seasons.

The Yuletide season, from Thanksgiving and Advent, Christmas and Yule, New Years and Twelfth Night, and Epiphany long into January- it is seemingly short but remains long in our memories as the years go by. Every year we bring it back to life again and just as quickly is snuffed out for another time.

Can we not make it last all the year-long? Cannot kindness reign to brighten up a person’s day when all is darkness about us?

Yes, I know this to be true. That like Yuletide itself, we can bring good cheer in the darkest of times, all year through. And keep the holiday memories alive in our hearts and in our minds just as the stars that shine brightly to us, glowing in the night sky. We just have to only look out to see them.