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Redefining and recapturing the essence of Christmas...
Conjuring ghosts from Christmases past, the heady scent of pine needles pervades happy childhood memories I’ve preserved in my ‘60s memoir collection, such as:
“The Magic of Christmas” - One of my family’s annual Christmas pilgrimages was a road trip to Edaville Railroad along the cranberry bogs in Carver, Massachusetts. For a child growing up during the Sixties, it took over seven million twinkling lights illuminating Edaville Railroad to open my eyes wide and flood my heart with holiday magic.
For Christmas Present, the scent of freshly-cut pine filling the air with seasonal joy has been replaced with the foreboding sensation of pins and needles associated with being a caregiver to an elderly parent. An honor and privilege to shoulder this noble responsibility, it is fraught with anxiety and fear of the unknown from one day to the next.
Unpredictable behavior, recriminations, disregard, anger, contrariness. It’s as though your parent has become his/her own worst enemy waging a battle with their loved ones.
And, a toll is taken: Random health crises. Interrupted sleep. Springing into action at a moment’s notice. Bouts of depression. Depleted energy. Loss of creativity. Lack of interest.
Rejoice in self-preservation!
I blaze a path by creating my own seasonal feng shui for making my abode a sanctuary. My holiday decorations are tastefully arranged with care. The scent of pine emanating from a burning candle wafts in every corner. I’m grateful for those sappy Hallmark Christmas movies which offer a mellow reprieve from reality. Listening to holiday music in the car tempers my melancholy mood too.
‘Tis the season for redefining Christmas to fit one’s set of circumstances. May each of us reap the precious gifts of resilience and rejuvenation from capturing the heady scent of pine needles in our own fashion.
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Web Site:
Eva Pasco's Personal Facebook Page
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For me it has become my season of giving. I give as graciously as I can to all and everyone, making sure that the least of those gets the most. I don't spend money on personal gifts (except a new computer after nine years) but on helping others.
It is sad to hear about your mother's growing problems that you are having to deal with. My sister is in the same situation, and complains bitterly about what she has to do to make my mother happy. And my mother seems to be… She called me last week again and giggled as she described what had been happening around her. She talks about her, "job." Basically she's talking about all the things she has to do with my sister and caregivers every day just to maintain her health. A sad reality that she is facing quite cheerfully.
Ron
And even after all these years, those songs still resonate with me. They never get old and I always want to hear them all, every year.
Decorations my be sparse because the children have grown, but I know someday in the future when those children have children of their own, the big celebration will start once again.
Merry Christmas everyone!