UNITY — Ask any household and one of the most exciting experiences of Christmas is setting up the tree and decorating it. But one of the most comforting experiences of Christmas relates to the simple pleasure of sitting in that lit tree’s beauty providing peace and happy thoughts.
Diving into my memory bank, this tree-hunting excursion offered a variety of explicit comforting “warm and fuzzy” feelings. It included picking out our real tree together as a family at the Kinsmen tree lot. Walking into this location that was full of laughter, community camaraderie and the rich scent of evergreen that invigorated the senses.
Bringing the tree home and impatiently waiting for it to evolve from its frozen state while filling our home with its delightful Christmas tree aroma was both pleasurable and comforting.
As a kid, decorating the tree was a family affair. After mom had painstakingly arranged those bright fruity coloured bulbs or included a string of those exciting little additions of bulbs that bubbled when plugged in, it was our time to decorate. It was an event full of giggles and memory sharing and lots and lots of icicle throwing when our patience ran out with laying them individually on each branch. Each decoration had a story that often started with a “remember when” or “Oooh, this one is my favourite”.
The ambience this forest treasure gave our family room was second to none. The instant peacefulness and calming factor this lit tree provided each day and night were beyond measure.
The same stands for my own family’s tree each year. Although this year I am finding I have craved the quiet, peacefulness of the lights and twinkles emitted from this tree each morning and each evening more than ever. I have told my family that I am leaving the tree up, fully illuminated and decorated into January when the days start to get a little longer.
Yes, the decorating part is a fun tradition that warms the soul. However, the simple solitude offered before dawn and again as the sun sets provides tranquil time to help calm the mind and soothe the soul. I enjoy a cup of coffee or tea sitting staring at its beauty with not another sound or distraction in the house. The warm embrace of the light, the happy memories it evokes and the simple pleasure of sitting in quiet before the day begins or as the day winds down are the most comforting moments of all.
“Lessons from a Christmas tree — be a light in the darkness. You can never wear too much glitter. Bring joy to others. Sparkle and twinkle as often as possible. Jane Lee Logan.”
