The world changed overnight.
This morning it hangs all wet and white.
Pines bow to the weight, and the snow pillows soft on the hardwood branches, nestles in the crooks of tree arms.
It still falls, silent.
It’s a wonder.
Christmas has come.
And gone.
And I’m glad.
The gift-giving, it gets me every year.
I want to do it. I get caught up in it.
I. Go. Crazy.
I think about the piles of candy cane paper and heavy blue foil, cardboard boxes, and several hands that rummage through bags to find a lost eraser to the new white board.
I think of baskets that overflow with gifts of every kind, each forgotten as the next is opened.
Some are set aside for return–wrong size, wrong color, defective, unwanted.
I came this year to this season of wonder, to the manger, weighed down.
Empty and heavy with fatigue.
Defective and wanting.
Wanting.
Something.
The wise men have seen the star of wonder and begun their journey with their gifts, I think.
I have an epiphany.
And begin to plan for next year.
Three small gifts for each person.
One to represent gold. A gift card? A gold bracelet? A gold bowl?
One to represent frankincense–a fragrance. Soap? Some coffee? Something chocolate? A candle?
One to represent myrrh–that wasn’t needed. Because Jesus overcame death to give us hope. So maybe something red? A loaf of bread tied with a red ribbon?
Christmas has come and gone.
And I’m glad.
But it’s never over.
The world changed overnight that silent night.
*****
The snow is melting now, running in rivers off the roof.
And something is melting in me.
I smile.
I can’t wait until Christmas.
It’s a wonder.
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ~Matthew 2:9-11 (NIV)
Planning for next year already? It will be different, I’m sure — a different year, a different you. This has been a difficult and hopefully unique year for you. Those sound like fine ideas for gift-giving, simplified and yet personalized.
I find the wonder of Christmas stays with me for a long time, even the Christmases that began with loss and pain. I never like to see the end of the season, and I don’t put away Christmas trappings until well into January … at least until after Twelfth Night. (Altho’ once I do, I love the “fresh start” feeling.
I think I was just so tired this year, Carol, that the externals just proved to be too much. And I have to admit, I’m a bit relieved that I don’t need to take down any trappings. And I was sick, so there was no church. But the season did hold its own magic. 🙂
I know what you mean about that “fresh start” feeling. Next year, through, new traditions. 🙂
Oh, Sandy. You would hate me. One-gift-Megan.
Hate you, Megan? I think not! I should probably hang out with you more.
This post really touches me…I relate to it in many aspects. What a beautiful thought for next year!
Great post! Great thoughts. And beautifully put. Seems like we all can use some encouragement to break free from the traps of tradition we weave ourselves into. Glad to see you’re on your way. I’m working on it, too — “it” being dropping more and more of the meaningless trappings and meanwhile increasing the quiet focus on the real heart of Christmas. Thanks! —
http://sylvrpen.com/2011/12/whats-on-my-heart/
Love this, Sandy. So sorry you were sick – but somehow, not at all surprised. And I absolutely love your idea for next year. My kids have done 3 gifts for their kids since the very beginning, but not necessarily lined up with the gifts mentioned in scripture. Just the number. But I like the way thinking about ‘matching’ the gifts stretches the mind and encourages creativity and thoughtfulness. Praying for you, dear friend. Hoping you will force yourself to rest, in ways that are specific to you – doing things that soothe, comfort and encourage you. Love to you.
Great thoughts! I hope I can remember them next year. Please re-post in early November! 🙂
He Is pleased, so well pleased with you. With the way you share the struggle so that people can truly see Him carrying you and His glory shines through bright and clear!
Snuggle in closer and find His peace for He has much to our in to those places you have emptied…
That’s a good idea. Blog about that closer to December next year to remind me.
I think it’s a lovely thought – good idea lady!
So lovely! You came full circle , in one posting! I like your idea for next year .
The white Christmas and the trees… beautiful. Ah yes the before of this season is filled with so much of rush and activities… and the day after is a lull…a quietness to ponder and realize what was missed… Great post
What a gift–the beauty of that snow. Sounds like it was just what you needed this year, delivered by the hand of your Father. I love that you’re excited for next year–and gifts of red? Love. It.
It’s a wonder, yes.
You. Are. Too.
Jesus in you … He shows.
Yep, I can relate. No snow this year, but lots of unexpected gifts.