My sitting room is at the front of the house . I don't sit there.
I dwell in a small room at the back. I can't see the whole garden from inside but I have a sliding door that leads to the deck from which I view my entire estate.
After thirty-six years,the door was replaced this summer.
Silence is the difference. No sound penetrates the new door.
Read on. You will understand the significance.
If not, Have a Very Merry Christmas anyway.
For a number of years, my family has gathered the Sunday before Christmas. It leaves everyone free to be wherever on the day.
When my children were children ,we were always in our own home.With seven children, invitations are few. Friends came to our house. .
Life moves on.
The gathering, with everyone here, numbers about thirty-four. Some have been added. Some are missing.
The cluster starts in the kitchen and spills in to the next room and from there includes the little back room..
For years,I tried to set a Christmas table. Now, I just try to have enough seating . Last week, I bought four tall fold up stools from Ikea.They will be handy for the deck in summer as well.
This year I decided, there isn't room for the tree. It has to be real. It has to be where it will be seen to be appreciated.
The tree went on to the deck in front of the sliding door.
Heather found, larger, outdoor ornaments at 25% of normal price and a string of two hundred lights.
The tree was tied to a maple branch above to hold it in place. Even so, it had a natural bent to the left.It wasn't bought for that reason.
In the dark.with spotlights and tree lights following a natural outline, the slight askew wasn't seen.
On Friday night, Theresa and myself were settled in the little room. Theresa had her second, perhaps third glass of white wine. I was having hot chocolate with a flavourful dollop of Creme de Cacao; stirred not shaken.
Lamps were turned off leaving only the candles burning. We found peace and contentment. .
Outside, flakes of snow were falling .
Tree branches were tossing, sparkling ornaments swinging vigorously.
The wind was strong but not a sound did we hear.
Suddenly, the tree dipped to the left, like a chevalier sweeping a feather trimmed hat
Then like a dancer, it graciously swirled backwards in a half circle.
It took a final dive before coming to a halt,
Prone on its back, star facing outwards.
It happened so fast, so naturally, so gracefully .there was barely time for a glance between myself and Theresa.
To assure ourselves we had indeed seen what was before our very eyes.
Other explanation was totally invalid.
The tree was down. Although still tethered,.it wasn't lost to us.
Our joint tale of magical performance to the family gathering could be verified beyond the usual incredulity.
By then of course it was restored. Standing primly in its place. No trace of impromptu pirouette..
The only serious question came from Cheyenne, first great grandchild who asked; why is the tree outside Grannie?
Because my darling. I said, there just isn't room for you and the tree inside.
From me and mine, I wish you and yours, a warm and blessed Christmas.
It comes but once a year for each of us to give and take what we want from it.
Monday 24 December 2012
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7 comments:
Very nice. I enjoyed the chuckled once again mom. Enjoy the tree again tonight!
Love ya!
Heather
Safe & happy holidays for your & Your Family from ours. A special wish for those relatives living in the U.S.
Merry Christmas, Evelyn. We do the same thing. This year the only conversational speed-bumps were the teachers' strike and American gun policy. No Aurora politics. Keep well.
A Tree with Attitude ! Still Laughing! Thank you!
In our family, that would be regarded as a very special Christmas present indeed. But then we are all a bit fey. Peace.
Dear Evelyn:
Here we are again, on the eve of one of the world's greatest stories.
This has been a year of personal loss but also one of hope.
As you gather with your family around your bewitched Christmas tree you should feel a sense of satisfaction that comes through truth and decency.
Happy holidays and good health in the New Year.
Everyone traveling today, please be careful. There is some weird driving on the roads.
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