TOPIC: Connected
GO!
We play ring around the rosies with a 6 foot tall Frasier fir. Are there enough lights? Are there enough ornaments? Will the ribbon reach? You've always hated doing this, but every year you load me up into the car and off we go to find our budgeted $30 Christmas tree. You know how my heart overflows. I think you've come to like it more than you'd admit.
Every year I recount story after story of my mom's insatiable lust for all things Christmas decor. I pull out her tackiest of tacky jewelry from her old jewelry box and wear it proud. Ok, maybe not proud, but tongue in cheek. I retell the family traditions that my little family forged nearly two decades ago. My dad wrestling a pine into a tree stand- words I can't repeat sleeping through gritted teeth. The rest of us, mom, brother and me, poised and waiting to hang the lights and trim the tree bright.
These things keep me connected. They forge a connection through the years of me to a family that only exists in my memories. I think my mother must have something Christmassy to add to those streets of gold this time of year and my dad is simply glad that no one is asking him to stuff an over-sized tree into an undersized stand.
When I gaze at you around the back side of the tree as we pass the matted mess of lights to one another I see more than just my husband. I see a whole history of love and tradition coming alive in our own little family. A life we have made our own wherever we have been.
so beautiful. I feel this too, at christmas. the deep seedness tie to my family through tradition and love, and the joy every year as my husband and I do new traditions...traditions that my children will look back on in adulthood. Our lives are now, and that's a beautiful thing. Enjoy! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Brings back years of Christmas memories ... one of which I just decided to publish tomorrow after reading yours!
ReplyDeleteMuch love in His name,
Felecia
This is beautiful. As I decorate and celebrate Christmas, it also brings back all the family memories and keeps me connected to my heritage.
ReplyDeleteI often hear the longing of your heart for your mother in what you write. And perhaps you think of her often because of the new life you are bringing into the world. It is always so nice to read about how you envision life with your parents, how much you love them and the way you translate that into your own family.
ReplyDeleteI smiled throughout and cried at the end, thanks for a moving snapshot of life!
ReplyDeleteThe Merriest of Christmas' to you! I love what you said about our lives being "now"
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you felt inspired! I will definitely be reading! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI love the feeling of that connection. It eases the hurt and brings out joy in all the small things! Thanks for coming by and sharing a little piece of life with me.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that the longing you detect has been a common theme in my writing over the last year. It has been especially close to me over the last nine months! I hope my little family is blessed by the love I still have in my heart for my wonderful parents. Thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by today! Glad you enjoyed this little snapshot!
ReplyDeleteoh wow. beautiful...they are so proud of you watching you carry on traditions! blessings to you this christmas- may it be the best one yet
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a Merry Christmas! Blessings!
ReplyDelete