Over the years I’ve somewhat dreaded dragging out all the Christmas décor, knowing I’ll simply be putting it away in a few short weeks. When life is hectic and I’m running from place to place, decorating for a temporary time frame seems like a waste of effort that could be spent socializing in a normal year.
This year, however, my husband and I are more than ready to add bling to the blahs of this socially distanced pandemic year. The outside Christmas lights were hung three weeks before Thanksgiving, a record for us as I loathe encountering anything Christmas before Thanksgiving. The tree must still wait to shine until we are serving leftover turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, but this year its presence will have deep significance as family and friends will not be gathered ‘round as in past years.
The evergreen tree is the symbol of life in the midst of dormancy. It endures winter’s wrath of ice and its tough-skinned needles nourish the tree yearlong. Its Christmas lights will herald the way to what we all hope and pray will be a better year.
Blessings and good health!