Hush
Hush
The smooth satin of Christmas
that touches the well deep within
the place where grace and hope reside-
it arrives in the quiet
If we are too busy rushing, wrapping, scurrying, cooking, baking
We may miss it
It can be found in a large pile of coats on a bed;
Sneakily placing gifts from Santa below the tree
In the peaceful stillness before dawn;
In my Mom’s rum cake;
Or when snuggled up
Watching an old favorite,
The softness of a shoulder to lean on
a child or cat across our lap
Hush
Christmas is rarely found inside a box
More often it is felt when stuffing
Chubby toes into lacy tights
And remembering our Mother doing the same
A twinkle in an eye
A glimmer in the dark
The shadow cast from a flickering candle
The cackling of a fire
Light pooling out a familiar window, beckoning
Hush
Christmas is found in the long night
stars slung low in the sky
breath in warm halos
the crunch of snow underfoot
wonder and mystery
an unanswered question
daring to believe in
the best parts of who we are
And so my dear friends, take care.
Slow down.
If it can wait, wait.
If it can be skipped, skip it.
If it can be simplified, simplify.
In America we so often agree on a time to slow down and rest. The period of time between the Winter Solstice, Dec 21st, and the New Year is a period made for deep, soul nourishing rest- Yuletide. Steep in all things warm and cozy. Step away from anything and everything that stresses you. Life is meant to be enjoyed- find ways to enjoy it.
And to those of you that have been doing it all- well done! You did it! Now find a way to hunker down, power down the machine, let go of rigid organization and slink into the sofa and some pajamas.
Below is my favorite poem this holiday season. Happy Holidays. <3
IT// will be you.
They don't know it yet, but when they're grown and starting their own Christmas traditions, it will be you they mirror. Your family recipes will grace their holly dressed table and the classic punch you spiked will come out after lunch. They'll search for the same candle scent that you burned to get that nostalgic smell that is woven into their memories. They will play the carols that feel like home, that feel like you. Their children's handmade snowmen and reindeer will be hung with pride just like theirs were, and carrots will be nibbled on Christmas Eve in the same way you did all those years ago. Morning elves, phantom sleigh bells, and Santa photos will create the same joy and excitement for their kids that you created for them.
When they think of Christmas, it will be you.
It will be you they emulate, you they remember,
you they want to be for their kids.
You're their memories,
you're their magic,
You're their Christmas.
Janessa Docking
Winter Solstice Live Virtual Workshop
Self-Care in Winter; where Hygge meets Friluftsliv
December 21, 2023
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Light a candle, make yourself a comfy and quiet space, grab your mat and journal, and treat yourself to 120 minutes of self-care. It can be fun to share the practice and your answers with a friend or loved one!
