"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Monday 24 December 2012

Oh Chrstmas Tree

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.  

7 comments:

Daughter Heather said...

Very nice. I enjoyed the chuckled once again mom. Enjoy the tree again tonight!
Love ya!
Heather

Anonymous said...

Safe & happy holidays for your & Your Family from ours. A special wish for those relatives living in the U.S.

Anonymous said...

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.

Anonymous said...

A Tree with Attitude ! Still Laughing! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

In our family, that would be regarded as a very special Christmas present indeed. But then we are all a bit fey. Peace.

Anonymous said...


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.

Anonymous said...

Everyone traveling today, please be careful. There is some weird driving on the roads.