We pack a lot into Christmas - beyond the deep spiritual meaning it has for many of us; there is the interpretation and parsing that goes on in gatherings of family and friends; poignant memories of those not about to join us at the dinner table this year; and dreams about what future Christmases might look like - unpack all of that this year and cast aside the ribbons, paper, and bows to leave behind the essential Christmas.
This year, I wanted to try another acrostic and it's more free-thoughts than verse, I hope you enjoy it:
Oh, look under the tree! Is there something for me?
Trees at Christmas. Green or silver, real or fake... what do the trees say?
Announcing the birth of a baby is a thing of back-fence gossip, newspaper announcements, and Facebook posting - pretty standard fare. How about a heavenly choir of angels? That's amazing.
News delivered in song sounds like the stuff of musicals... imagine the sound, imagine the night
New is delivered under the boughs of our tree. New (loaded) gift cards; new toys; new clothes; new signs we are loved.
Expectations hang on each branch, slipping onto bulbs and ornaments, the wrapping paper, and floor... will this year be (insert: special, different, just like always (in a good way))?
Never happened again, but it only took once for our biggest Christmas tree memory. The too thick tree stood tall in its stand in our small living room; until Christmas Eve while shaking with excitement it fell to the floor sending shards of ornamental glass across the wood floor. Soon it was sent, flying, out the front door.
Boughs of trees can change size sometimes, or how we perceive size changes. What looks perfectly charming standing in a field can quickly be too wide to fit through the door after its cut down and brought home. It does make for another good Christmas tale.
Angelic may not always be an accurate term for the young (or old) ones under the tree, but as we dimly reflect the joy on the countenances of that cherubic choir we fell the Joy to the World of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
Under the tree (cut) is the stand and its water supply - the needles fall and Christmas glory fades with each day the formerly living tree stands amidst furniture and wallpaper. The water at its root is life to the tree as Christmas represents life for us through the Christ child.
Making memories anytime can't be made; they happen. They happen in the unexpected moment when a tree falls or won't fit through the door. When the 1 year old careens across the floor to grandpa. You may not yet know your 2014 Christmas memory - I pray it's wonderful.
"O Tannenbaum" is the German title for the song we know as Oh, Christmas Tree. If you like time travel, check out Christmas posts from the past two years below.Christmas Blog 2012
Acrostic Christmas Blog 2013
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