December 23, and we are just now getting the tree up and decorated, the gifts bought and wrapped, and plans to visit family finalized. It's wonderful!!
Christmas doesn't begin at Thanksgiving at the hermitage, it begins at a much more secular turning point -- the end of fall semester at my workplace. Once exams are given and grades are in, we are ready to begin our preparations. And surprisingly, we always seem to have plenty of time to do everything needed.
One priority this year was the re-establishment of the prayer space. Moved to the front of the house to accommodate the wood for the fireplace, the prayer space was unsettled in its new location, and needed to be returned to the inner rooms. The photo above shows the new location, next to the fireplace on the opposite side, with the original rocking chair so favored by this hermit, and her cat! His return to my lap at prayer time was taken as a sign that things were back where they belonged.
A favorite seasonal tradition for us is the Revels North celebration of the Solstice, the reminder that no matter how dark things get in the world, the Light will always follow, and indeed conquer! It is a deeply spiritual observance for us, and one that I look forward to each mid-December.
The best part of consciously limiting our exposure to the secular hubbub surrounding Christmas is that we seem to keep an even keel, neither too anxious nor too giddy, not worried about the crowds or the gifts or the cards, but staying focused on the presence of Christ in all things. Much the better state of mind, I think.
My wish for you, dear readers, is that a spirit of calm presence infuse your observances, and that the Light of Christ relieve any darkness you may carry. Alleluia.
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