“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
― Henry Wadsworth LongfellowI
It’s 2pm on Christmas Eve, and the house is quiet, which is no longer unusual since the little ones are not at all little anymore. The non-stop sound of childhood chatter has been replaced by periodic bursts of “Bruh”, followed by slang that people who don’t have teens might think is a new language. “Bruhhhh, that’s so cap! You got no rizz without the right drip bro.”
Shall I translate? Rizz is charisma, the ability to attract others. Cap is a lie,not true. Drip refers to clothing or accessories that are current fashion.
Can you hear my chuckle? And then I remember as a teen of the eighties that I was really not that different. The words might have changed, but every generation has its own lingo. I embrace it, learn it, use it. Nothing shuts down smack talk faster than a mom saying rizz…and that is a wee moment of joy!
Quiet afternoon aside, it still doesn’t quite feel like Christmas yet this year, for a variety of reasons.
It’s unseasonably warm here on the west coast and snowdrops are blooming. Inflation and shrink-flation have taken its toll on everyone.The news is full of natural disasters related to climate change. And the horrors of the conflict in the middle east combined with the spectre of a larger war is on many people’s minds, even if they don’t speak of it.
It’s leaving many feeling unable to embrace the season, and even more feeling guilty of experiencing joy at all.
But please don’t let the hardness of the world steal your softness. Yes, the world is fractured, but feeling joy is not an act of denial of that – it is a radical defiance against it.
Allowing yourself to feel joy right now is a conscious decision to acknowledge the anguish while also embracing the light that exists all around us. And right now that means cherishing the warmth of shared meals with loved ones, the laughter of our families and finding solace in acts of kindness given or received. It means celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Self-care and extending a hand to others, becomes a lifeline when there is little to hold onto. Trust me, from days of past, I know.
As I’ve navigated my journey of life, one thing I have learned is that joy was never meant to be a crumb. Feel the love, enjoy the lights, the turkey, the tipsy auntie in the corner. Or just relish the solitude of your evening with tea…
So, to all who feel the weight of the world’s troubles pressing upon their shoulders, I share this poem from Mary Oliver that I keep close to heart:
‘Don’t Hesitate’
Merry Christmas my friends. I may not write often, but you remain in my heart always.
Westcoast Views with Laila Yuile 
Laila, Merry Christmas and wishes for peace and joy for you in the coming New Year, so good to hear from you, you always fill me with hope with your positive view on life. Thank you for that! This greeting comes to you with love, from one of the smaller islands to the south of you. Hugs to you!!
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Good morning and Merry Christmas to you with love Glenda 🙂 I hope this morning find you warm , safe and with power after last night’s gusty winds! My dog woke up to pee at 2:40am – he’s an older dog now, can’t always hold it all night- and it was howling out there so loud he couldn’t hear me calling.
Batten down the hatches, it’s hitting hard later today too. Wicked wind up here north island
Have a gentle 2024 Glenda. 🙂
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Thanks for the reinforcement. Orwell’s Roses struck me as being in the same key. For all the nastiness outside, there is still a lovely family, including several generations and in-laws, and especially my wonderful partner. I liked your observation about teen parlance, and then, hate to say it, but that picture looks like you might not have left your teen years very far behind. The post is a rare item, but speaks of some sort of renewal. It ain’t like the old days of BC Mary and the crew, but it’s good to know you’re still out there. Wishes for a cozy and fulfilling season and a gentler year to come.
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Sigh, it will never be like those days Dan, but good memories. 🙂 I’m doing work on the ground now. Island life is good for the soul, keeps me young. I’ve got a bit coming this week. Check back.
I’m glad you are well and hope you have a wonderful, gentle holiday !
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Confirmation e-mail takes me to WP Stats for AV Transition Town site (I am associated with this), but doesn’t seem to confirm my subscription.
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DO misss your regular posts, but sometimes people need a change.
You look happy, so obviously not hesitating works well.
,
waiting for the “right moment”? Sometimes that is a waste of time and life slips by.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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Merry Christmas e.a.f. !
Life is very busy, and I’m happy where I am now.
Agreed on not waiting to enjoy life or tell someone how you feel. Had a auto accident this year that highlighted that point. No injuries but a miracle it didn’t end very differently.
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As some one used to say, “you are a long time dead, so get on with having a life”.
Yes, car accidents are good for that. You walk away and think omg I could have missed that birthday party or concert or election,
Here is to having the life you want!
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