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| Tree ornament |
There are so many uncertainties these days. I have discovered one small certainty that I appreciate thanks to Covid 19. Usually this is a time for rehearsals, performances and parties. Usually I exchange gifts with friends at these other functions. This year, since such gatherings are cancelled, it has given me the chance to pay attention to giving these gifts and make that a focus rather than an afterthought, and it’s been kind of fun.
We made three trips specifically to deliver gifts this year. The first took us out of town on a wonderfully warm winter day on a highway devoid of snow. The drive together was pleasant as we talked and took in the countryside. At our destination we enjoyed air hugs and exchanged gifts at arm’s length before getting back into the car to return home. The other two trips were in town.
Initially we intended to deliver all the gifts on the same day. Our route took us to the south and then to the north of the city. We were going to deliver the gifts to those nearer our home on the way home but we decided we were tired, and the bird needed feeding.
The final trip was on a grey day with a heavy snowfall warning in the forecast. We delivered the last of our gifts, scuttled home and dug in for the storm. When we got home we discovered gifts in our mailbox. Since then the storm has passed. We are assured of a white Christmas and we have had friends email and text before dropping off gifts for us. It has been fun to see people face to face, however briefly. We don’t need to worry about whether we have cookies in the freezer or whether we should invite friends in. The answer to both questions is no. Whether we are delivering gifts or receiving them, we know that the interactions will be very brief and that has made the moments noticeably precious. Each gift whether given or received, has brought with it sparks of delight and gratitude. As we eat the goodies and, as we put the new ornaments from this year on next year’s tree, we will remember that Christmas 2020 was not only odd but was also oddly special because it brought home, in two and three minute intervals, how important we are to each other.
So, in this familiar season of light in this very odd year, Merry Christmas, Shalom, and may 2021 be good to you.
6 comments:
Thanks for this Marian,! Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and all of your family as well, Lesley!
Merry Christmas, Marian and Richard! Paul and i, too found good things in Christmas this year - the slower pace allowed us to breathe and really focus on the small things: the birds at our feeders, syrup, seed and suet. The joy our aged dog Lily takes in waking up each day and enjoying each meal, each walk, each treat to the fullest. I really enjoyed a task i usually delegate to Paul - wrapping the gifts for family and friends: I used the (excessive) brown paper bags we have due to Covid and some butcher's twine but decorated each gift carefully with greenery collected from our yard and walks and felt pleasure at the look of each unique present, even better thinking that all was recyclable after the event! I have not been able to come to Canada for a year and half now and miss checking in on Richard and having fun with Sharon but we talk frequently and as you said, this makes us appreciate each other even more...Sending love and good wishes from Susan and Paul
Thanks so much for the update Sue! It's great to hear from you. When we are all vaccinated and Biden is president perhaps R and I will be able to come to the States again. I'd like to take a course or two at Port Townsend School of Woodworking at some point. Perhaps we can actually see each other! That would be great. In the meantime, take care and thanks for reading and commenting on the blog.
Great post Marian. A strange but special year indeed. Thank you for your gorgeous ornaments for the girls. The best part of decorating the tree each year is thinking fondly about the people who gave us each one :)
You're welcome Brae. I had fun making the ornaments!
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