Keeping Christmas

We are in a quieter season of life and we keep a quieter Christmas. We put up the tree, artificial now, and decorate with ornaments the kids made and with ornaments we’ve collected or we were gifted through the years. A wreath at the front door and a nativity scene above the fireplace. The house is decorated. I make a few batches of cookies that I eat for breakfast with my coffee. A Christmas treat. I put on “If On A Winter’s Night” by Sting or “Mistletoe & Wine” by Mediaeval Baebes.

Our small family keeps Christmas Day together, which is a blessing. We keep Christmas differently now that we are all scattered, but new traditions will arise. Our kids are hosting holiday get togethers now and I have to say I’m liking being a guest, rather than a host.

We keep Christmas with neighbors and friends before and after Christmas Day. In winter, our town becomes small again and I love spending time with the people who know how to keep winter well through sharing meals, hiking trails, knitting blankets, or reading books.

Lake Michigan is still open. No ice at the shore. The inland lakes are iced over and fishermen are out. The trails are snow covered but we can hike in most places without snowshoes. Our dog loves zooming and rolling around in this winter landscape. Birds are a constant at the feeder with turkey and deer sporadic visitors.

Spending time in nature is a beautiful way of keeping Christmas. We will be keeping Christmas in our quiet way out in the woods and on the trails with family and friends creating a deeper connection to Creation.