Speculation, curiosity, and mystery filled my imagination as I drove the country road during autumn. The lone gold  Christmas ball called to my attention on my daily drive.  As the Christmas season approached, I debated: Do I stop and add another decoration to the lone ornament? Or, do I leave it alone in its singular glory for other drivers to enjoy, admire, and puzzle about? In the busyness of the season, I decided not to add my decoration to the tree. 

During the holidays, I had no reason to travel the country road. What a surprise greeted me when I drove the road after New Year’s! To my amazement and joy, I saw more Christmas balls hanging in the cedar windbreak. The ornaments were spaced equally, one per tree in a rainbow of colors – red, green, blue, and silver. Each sparkled in the morning sun.

            Now the mystery was even greater. Was this a Santa thing? Or, did the Christ Child pay a local visit on Christmas Eve to bless all the trees? Did He decorate them with magical ornaments such as spider webs that turn into tinsel and brightly colored balls and bird's nests with golden eggs? Ancient legends claim so.

            Whatever the real reason, for me, the mysterious ornaments are reminders that the reason for the season extends to all seasons, even in unexpected places. The message of the ornaments diverts my attention from worries to wonder as I puzzle about who, when and why.