peace
December 26, 2016 § 1 Comment
Friday morning I was the first to wake. Warm coffee in my favorite mug and only the light of the Christmas tree, I watched the first snowflakes tumble lazily against the darkness. Curled beneath the blanket my mother crocheted, with a book fallen forgotten across my lap, I lingered in content distraction while my family slept.
The past few days have been a happy treasure of simple riches; the company of loved ones and the easy busyness of cooking, card games and old movies. Our children curled into my parents’ company and I stole kisses from Mr. Claus beneath the mistletoe.
Some traditions were lost, Christmas picture books collected dust. The elf watched from his shelf, but without the magic of forgotten caution. A game of clues was played with the distracted mastery of someone sleepwalking a familiar path.
I might have grieved these small changes, reminders that my children were outgrowing beloved holiday hallmarks, but in the quiet moments I marveled at the new traditions in this unfolding season of joy. My children drafting their own Christmas cards to friends, an activity I once performed in solitude, or their company in the kitchen as we worked through the mechanics of family meals and holiday baking.
It’s been years since I baked with so much joy, exploring unfamiliar recipes and experimenting with new ingredients. Stumbling through the mess of failed dough for the perfect cookie. The meditative quality of soapy water and endless dishes. Meals that unfolded into the rhythm of wakefulness and rest, punctuated with conversation and laughter.
There was a gentleness to this Christmas, a quiet togetherness that ruffled old memories with fresh air. It was impossible not to remember the complicated experiences of past holidays; destructive houseguests that rattled peace with unkindness. There was a time I might have been caught in the contradiction of these experiences with disappointment or remorse, but the wealth of my gratitude outweighs regret.
This week, as I tuck away ornaments to welcome the New Year, there is a tranquility of peace and joy; mindfulness and presence for this season.
scribblechic 
Ah…that gift of gratitude…with the knowledge of acceptance of who we have become 😀
May your new year tread new paths…so that again at this time next year…you will accept that gift of gratitude, that you have given with great love…to yourself 😀 ❤
Happy New Year Marie, I look forward to next years new paths 😀