I've been participating in Slice of Life, started by Two Writing Teachers. I love the challenge of composing a piece of writing at least once a week about life or teaching.
A lot is changing.
Girls growing up, parents moving to Florida.
It's time to decorate the tree.
Cold and snowy outside, my favorite December weather.
One daughter at college, one at work today, her last year in high school.
Husband running errands, busy.
It's quiet and peaceful.
Christmastime used to be chaotic -
kittens batting at the lights,
puppies chewing on decorations,
toddlers gazing wide-eyed and grabbing shiny ornaments,
shopping, taking pictures at the mall,
toys assembled, wrapped, begging to be shaken and opened,
cousins loud and excited,
families gathering, cooking, eating,
little kids anticipating
Santa.
None of that now. Just a fire in the fireplace,a cup of eggnog,
quiet carols playing.
All is calm.
I stop and remember.
I am a firm believer in that the memories of the past make you appreciate the present. Enjoy your calmness of the Christmas season.
ReplyDeleteYou're right! There's a lot to be said about calmness, too. :-)
DeleteI wrote about the tree decorating too, Holly-lots of memories wrapped in this moment I see. Fun to see your picture too!
ReplyDeleteThat was a fun photo to dig up - time flies! ;-)
DeleteAw, Mom. When I come home this weekend, I'll stare wide-eyed at the ornaments when I hang them. (:
ReplyDeleteHa! Yay! It's a deal. ;-)
DeleteRemembering is so special. Thank you sharing your daughters photograph and your memories. I loved her comment about staring at the ornaments this weekend.
ReplyDeleteThat was cute, wasn't it?! ;-)
DeleteAbsolutely precious. Funny how many memories are wrapped around one annual event. Enjoy the season Holly.
ReplyDeleteI will ! Thanks, Gigi!
DeleteAll is calm. That's the way it is in my house, too - too calm. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThen you can relate!
DeleteOur Christmas traditions have changed, too, as our boys have gotten older. But old traditions have given way to new ones, and now I find myself looking forward to those just as much. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI agree - I am usually very forward-thinking, but this piece of writing was in the moment!
DeleteThank you for reminding me to embrace and appreciate the chaos! We are making the memories. Clare
ReplyDeleteYes, chaos is sometimes overwhelming, but appreciate it!
DeleteThere is a candle in the window, but all the other decorations are still in the basement. Struggling to decide whether to decorate when my daughter is overseas. Perhaps I too will need some music and eggnog in order to get to the right mood.
ReplyDeleteEither decision makes sense to me. Yes, if you DO decide to decorate, add a little Christmas music and eggnog. ;-) I recommend the Amy Grant Christmas Album. It's my favorite!
DeleteYour post made me smile. Our Christmas preparations are similar to yours...one is already grown up and out of the house, and 2 are in college. It is quiet...but I guess that gets us ready for the next chapter that awaits us.
ReplyDeleteYes - if/when we meet at the next conference, we'll have to commiserate (or celebrate ;-))!
DeleteYour post got me a bit teary. It's a different feeling in the house with one away and one teen in the house instead of little ones. I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with the change, but I guess we adapt yes?
ReplyDeleteI know - it can be hard! However, yes, adaptation is good. I know the next chapter has its rewards, too!
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