Photograph by Faster Panda Kill Kill under CC License
OK, so I have to admit that I haven’t quite got it together for Christmas these days. I enjoy the lead up during Advent, and the whole circle of the year thing as the solstice rolls round, but Christmas Day itself?
As a child and younger woman I really enjoyed Christmas, and then later having family over to me for Christmas day was lovely: my nephew and my brother (the one with Down’s Syndrome) made it a magical experience with their wonder.
But now, it all seems meaningless. Nephew is still fabulous, but 17-year-olds don’t believe in Santa any more and are far too cool to enjoy Christmas. And brother has advanced Alzheimers, doesn’t know what day it is and can’t visit because he needs full nursing care.
This year I didn’t even feel anything of the spiritual symbolism of the day itself and although my sister kindly invited me over for lunch, it all seemed completely pointless.
I’m going to plan something a little bit different next year. Don’t know what yet.
I’m not saying this to ask for sympathy, because I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was actively unhappy, just a bit isolated.
And one thing I love about this blogging lark is how it takes away that sense of isolation.
So I really enjoyed reading Towanda’s Thankfulness List and Jen’s “25 Things I Never Get Tired Of”. They put a big smile on my face.
Both Barbara and Sunrise Sister posted about change, moving forwards, letting go of old roles and priorities, allowing ourselves not to be Wonder Woman! Both posts echoed strongly for me and I learned from them.
And Milton, who has such a strong sense of community always, wrote Not Alone on the 2nd anniversary of starting his blog:
A month ago, I’d never met these guys … I know them now because I entered their world, not they mine – they were here first. I’m new to this orbit. Here’s how life gets colored in: through chance meetings, incidental contact, meaningful coincidence. And in some cases, souls stick to one another – even in small ways – and we create something that wasn’t there before.
Community is what we create for ourselves with others, online and offline, and I really value it.
And I loved that when I plugged in the search word “community” to find a photograph on Flickr to illustrate this post, I found the bicycles above, which turn out to be part of a community bike project in Austin, Texas. These guys are really doing something worthwhile. You can read about it here, together with a list of similar projects across the US and Canada.
So here’s to communities everywhere, large and small.
A very blessed week to you all (and a happy new year).
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Tess, I can actually really relate to what you have written here about the seeming meaninglessness of this season being more acutely felt this year than before, as well as to the sometime feeling of isolation. Well, you already know how grateful I am for our community, but I’ll say it again, and say…thank you….
What a wonderful gift to find.
Thank you A, and I too am grateful.
I know you are not seeking sympathy, so none given. I must say that I can relate to your letdown….. Adult years have a way of changing our Christmas vision.
So I suggest that we all put our amazing brains together and capitalize on the 360 days we have until next Christmas to keep the gloom at a low level next year and the joy up front.
As you mention in the post, your “lead in with Advent” was terrific and I can attest that your special touches for all of us readers was extraordinary. You and Lucy took me into a more meaningful Advent than I’ve every experienced!
So, if we’re all fortunate to live our lives through next Christmas – it could be amazing to know the new traditions that develop through our own special telling of Advent and Christ’s birth. We Anglicans are still within the 12 days:))…..
Merry Christmas, Tess! xoxoSS
Thank you SS, this is really special. And the twelve days – there’s something in that, I’m sure.
Part of today, I’m going to spend cleaning house to usher in a creative new year. Thank you once more.
The quotation “it takes a village to raise a child” popped into my mind after reading your post, Tess, and the comments.
Well, I’m not longer a child, but I like to think the “blogging village” is helping me grow.
Thanks all, for your creativity, wisdom and unique perspectives.
oh, tess. what a gift to start my new year with this sunday collection of yours. and i thought maybe i was the only one (not really) who felt that way about christmas day…it was so wonderful to see your words expressed here. my family of four actually flew on christmas day and it was really delightful. we didn’t have to sit around and stare at each other or try to make up something “meaningful” to do. it took the pressure off and actually turned into something special.
i love sunrise sis’ idea of coming up with a new way to celebrate christmas next year. maybe we can figure out how to have a huge ecumenical blogging telecast where we can hang out with all of our ‘virtual’ friends. hmmm…
one of my greatest gifts came yesterday (january 1) when i got to host A and christine in my home for dinner. we took pictures just for you
i am so delighted you have come into my life! blessings and happy new year!!! xoxoxoxo
Thank you Lucy, what a lovely comment, and I’m delighted to have you in my life also. I love the idea of a major holiday blogfest.
Looking forward to the photos!