Today I took down the few fall decorations I have and replaced them with Christmas regalia. This is one of so many firsts I have enjoyed in my new home, decorating for Christmas for the first time. I had hoped that I would be holding a party about this time, which obviously didn’t happen, but I decided if I am going to be locked up in this place by myself through most of December, it might as well look nice. I also baked my first batch of Christmas cookies. I don’t know how previous owners have celebrated, but for me, I feel like I brought my Christmas into the house for the first time.
It is hard to explain to someone who doesn’t celebrate (or barely celebrates) why I am so intent on decorating and cooking and creating year after year. It’s not for religious reasons, though I love the music and art connected to the Christian celebration. Whatever my own beliefs are, my Christmas commemoration is not in unity with any church. I don’t have children (or grandchildren) visiting me whom I can entertain like my grandfather and my dad did with the “magical” turning tree. And certainly this year it isn’t for friends. When I purchased this house, I had visions of a Christmas cocktail party, but that isn’t happening. And with recent stiffening of lockdown regulations, don’t think many (maybe only one) person will see these decorations beside myself.
I suppose it’s more primitive and more ancient than Christian tradition. I put up lights because it is dark and cold and lights make me feel better and more hopeful. The shortening days as the restrictions (and the toll) of the virus grow must feel like the shortening of days to primitive human who feared that things were coming to an end and only by building up the fire can belief in another spring remain.
…and tomorrow I’ll get a tree.
Be safe, be strong.