We Pause

In a heartbeat, the pulsating color of autumn, that would brighten even the dimmest space, disappeared in a whirl wind that Jack Frost, himself, created. One blow from his frosty mouth, the leaves whirled in a funnel as if heading toward Oz, and in a wink, they disappeared into the sky.

Left in Jack's wake, was a brownish marsh, where once flowers dwelt, and beautiful leaves gathered. The ground, beneath your feet, feels like granite, frozen in the deadly sleep of winter. The Lake crashes angrily against her shore. 3, 4 foot swells lashing out at the rocks that outline the beach. Snow pouring from the heavens, with the harshest of winds behind it.

But, in the middle of this, we pause. We take a breath, and smile at strangers. This is my favorite time of year. You walk outdoors, even tho it is bitter cold, you smell the fire, lit with love, in someone's fireplace.

Bells jingling, people singing. Specials on TV. Wondering what you're going to make for the Christmas/Yule feasts. Secrets. Presents being bought. Boxes carefully being wrapped. Trees strung with all kinds of lights. Some blink, chase, or remain still. Yours, with all of the above?

Are you an all year shopper of gifts? Or, are you, at the last minute kinda person? Me, I like the rush of starting and concluding on Christmas Eve. The frenzy of the crowd. Controlled chaos is the way I see it. Luckily, everything I've needed, I find. But still, it's the last chance you can enjoy this time before it winks out for another year.

Presents are opened the next day. Our bellies filled. And, in one week, we usher in a new year. Bellies full again. Then nothing! 5 to 6 more months of bone chilling winter. (That last declarative statement sounded harsh!)

Instead of returning to our winter gruff, couldn't we all keep the image of that tree with all different colored lights on it, the presents, laughter, kissing your true love under the mistletoe, turkey with its dressing, cranberries, roasted pig, glasses tinkling, toasts and promises being made, forgiving those that have harmed us, and most all, remembering the love we have given and received over the year? And please, don't leave out the jolly old Elf himself. A wonderful warm image to replay when winter is at his worst!

And on that note, I hope to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, Joy Noel, Happy Yuletide, and Happy Winter Solstice. Stay warm, stay safe, stay loved!

Blessed Be!