I've been planning to write some more about symbols, and particularly those relating to the Christmas season, with all their richness of meaning, but somehow the process stalled. Perhaps I was beginning to over-intellectualize, or maybe things just kind of went sideways for other reasons. It hasn't stopped me from thinking about symbolism and ritual though, as I put up my tree (notice Cleo underneath) and try to plan my celebrations. It is also my birthday season and the year I turn 50, so I'd initially hoped to ramp things up a bit this year, and then.... my partner was suddenly thrown into a turbulent, emotional upheaval due to a situation with his family, and our finances took a similar plunge. It hurts a little, but sometimes we have to choose to "change our minds." My disappointment is solemnly tempered by the knowledge that even in our current circumstances, we are still more fortunate than millions around the world. Even in my own small sphere, a friend's mother is recovering from breast cancer, another's father-in-law just had major heart surgery and yet another's husband is on a waiting list that keeps getting longer. At times like this, we cannot help but be reminded of the things that matter more than having extra money to spend.
I have happily accumulated the Christmas ornaments on my tree over many years and seasons in my life. I like to incorporate the theme of musical instruments, along with the angels, icicles, baubles and lights, because music is important to me. I remember the people and places associated with each ornament, and the different times, both good and bad, that I've gone through to get to where I am now. I love the symbolism of light in the darkness at this time of year. My partner and I both have December birthdays, and I commented this year on how lucky we both are to have them decorated as they are for the holidays.
It is interesting to learn about the meaning of our Christmas symbols, and I do encourage you to do so (I love Avia's page and highly recommend you start there). Discover the origin of Christmas trees, lights, stars, foods and other traditions. And take a moment to reflect on your own favourites and what they mean to you. Send holiday greetings to loved ones, even if you don't have lots of big things to report, just so they know you are thinking of them. Try to rest with the natural rhythm of the seasons, knowing that darkness gives way to light, and release the old to make space for the new, as another year comes to an end and a new one begins.
I have happily accumulated the Christmas ornaments on my tree over many years and seasons in my life. I like to incorporate the theme of musical instruments, along with the angels, icicles, baubles and lights, because music is important to me. I remember the people and places associated with each ornament, and the different times, both good and bad, that I've gone through to get to where I am now. I love the symbolism of light in the darkness at this time of year. My partner and I both have December birthdays, and I commented this year on how lucky we both are to have them decorated as they are for the holidays.
It is interesting to learn about the meaning of our Christmas symbols, and I do encourage you to do so (I love Avia's page and highly recommend you start there). Discover the origin of Christmas trees, lights, stars, foods and other traditions. And take a moment to reflect on your own favourites and what they mean to you. Send holiday greetings to loved ones, even if you don't have lots of big things to report, just so they know you are thinking of them. Try to rest with the natural rhythm of the seasons, knowing that darkness gives way to light, and release the old to make space for the new, as another year comes to an end and a new one begins.
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