I admit to finding I have to dig deep for 'happiness and cheer' this year.
But their excitement was infectious. And though I found it emotional I was careful to guide their choice of music as we decorated the tree, which helped.
There is nothing like children to ensure the magic comes creeping in through every crack and crevice in spite of everything.
And that magic and excitement is a balm for the heart.
So, this morning there is snow on the mountains, something that is a rare treat here this time of year. And the promise of a white Christmas for some seems like a real possibility. And there is something wondrous and soothing about the sight of snow. A cleansing, heartening something.
And so, on this eve of the Winter Solstice, I'd like to dedicate this post to all of you who have lost someone dear this year gone by. May you find some solace this coming year.
'In this deep season of darkness and
introspection, seek the sun at midnight,
the rich treasures that lie in the lap of Winter.'
~Caitlin Matthews~
23 comments:
Beautiful post, Ciara. You really hit a note with me: I'm finding it very hard to work up enthusiasm and cheer too. My tree is up, but not decorated, and I'm hoping that putting on Christmas music (loud!) will ignite the spark.
Your little children are adorable, and they will do it for you. Mine, unfortunately, are non-excited teenagers!
But we'll get there.
And your decorations and photography are fabulous.
Just beautiful - Christmas can be tinged with sadness... Lovely pictures
theres nothing like christmas to heighten loss and bring out the extremes in emotions ....
Lovely to see so many big hearts round at yours.....
[ps loving your new look }
and if those gingerbread decorations were not edible i'd still eat them...mmmmmmmhhhh
Beautiful pictures as always. I sometimes find that the christmas excitement doesn't really kick in for us grown ups until Christmas Eve, when the house is settled, the gifts are all wrapped and the present-getting and feasting are mere hours away!! This year my husband and I are very excited though - because it's our last Christmas as 'just us'. We are expecting twins in April and I imagine Christmas will never be the same again! Happy Christmas.
Wonderful photos.. Have a great season..
beautiful post, Ciara. it's so lovely you quote Caitlin Matthews. i've been doing Celtic card readings for friends for 17 years now based on her card and cloth and Celtic Book of the Dead. i love it! the photographs are so peaceful. i am envious you have your tree up. i intended to get mine at blackberry bog today, but have been thwarted by the fact that my car died last night and i'm somewhat stuck out here (rurally) with me babby. oh well. will figure something out and hope to get him his first Yule tree up. sadly not in time for the Wintry Solstice tomorrow, but perhaps in time for Christmas, at any rate. I wish you a very bright and beautiful Solstice on the longest night of the year and a wondrous2010!
I loved this post. Your pictures are so gorgeous, and your words kind.
Enjoy the excitement, and the sound of laughter!
Thank you Ciara... this post is beautiful and heartfelt. I hope you find joy in this season and going forward. I know that your little ones will continue to help you along the way.
I find that Christmas often brings some sadness, whether it is sadness for a lost loved one or sadness for not being able to be with someone that is still here. I find that this year I am sad for other reasons. But we are so lucky to have people in our lives to help raise us up during these sad times.
Love to you and yours for this season. xoxo
Losing someone we find dear is a challenge. The holidays are especially hard as the space created by their loss is visible and audible. Anniversaries bring waves of pain, but know that your loved one still lives with you. They may not be able to lie in your arms, but their touch lies in memories embrace. It is a bittersweet thing that will bring comfort later. Today, in new grief, it is something to survive. Find joy in your children, but allow yourself your sorrows too. They will bring you comfort in the strange way that grief does. My husband is subtley intertwined in my children and my life and celebrations, despite his death two years ago. It is a gift. Bless you and yours over the holidays.
Katherine
Beautiful, this post just sums up how I'm feeling right now. I'm glad I'm not the only one whos had to dig deep this year.
Just wanted to say; love your blog and beautiful photos...
Beautiful.
Yes... I to need to find my Christmas cheer. I thought it was missing but was not too sure, you post confirmed it...
Why is the cheer so hard to find this year? I, too, have experienced sorrow over the holiday. I am trying to refocus.
Thankyou Ciara, this is a very timely post for me because this morning I had some sad news that my cousin has died. Your pictures are lovely!xx
Thank you for your Christmas spirit through photos! Children make Christmas bright.
And Christmas seems to be a time when we slow down and remember those who are with us in spirit only. The memories and celebrations of the season help, I think, to move us through the sad times.
Losing someone special does make one want to skate away during the festive season. My thoughts are with you and I wish you a quiet peace. Time is a kind healer.
Such a beautiful song by Joni Mitchell - and a perfect title for this post. You have a lovely collection of ornaments.
I hope you find solace, too, in the Deep Midwinter.
This post is just so lovely.
Ciara, I wish you and your family a happy Christmas and healing New Year for I can sense you the pain behind your loss.
Thank you for your dedication. Mourning is in our hearts too at this time of year, my beautiful darling mother, her joyfull laugh, her sweet embrace.... sadness sits on the edge of our celebration too. Comfort and solace does come though, through intimate little moments.
Do yourself a favor and don't listen to the song title you reference in your blog title...that song makes me cry everytime. And yes...I too, wish I had a river I could skate away on this year. Wishing you healing and love this coming year.
Thank you.
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