This evening I felt something I haven’t felt for quite a while. Content. Maybe it was the chili bubbling on the stove, the dark night folding our house up, Carol King singing away in the background, the falling snow outside, I don’t know. But there it was finally. Contentment. Peace. It’s been a rough hard year, but today, I felt it. Hope.
Lately, I seem to have grown some solid roots at home. In a previous life, way back in 2019, we would be out and about, going to different events, hanging out with family and friends, enjoying our holiday season in a very social way. And while I miss those times and those PEOPLE, very much, we are having a very quiet season at home right now, leaving only really for our hikes, and Billy to work. I think about how this full moon cycle is the quiet moon, and it makes sense. In the past, no one would have ventured far this time of year, opting to be at home, safe and snug and warm. Kind of like we are doing now. Our evenings are full of hearty warm comfort foods, listening to music, creating, and snuggling up under blankets to watch movies and binge tv, like Edwardian Farm. Wyatt has been spending every evening after dinner these days with his crayons and paper, in the shadow of my Monstera, Goblin, drawing the night away, or flipping through his books. I am working on my own projects, my little gnome trinket tray for Dinogirl, my little peg dolls for my other nieces, Glitzy Girl and JayZ. Billy is usually drawing up ideas and plans for things he wants to build, and we are just all together in our little den, with each other in our own little worlds.
Tonight, I was thinking about Christmas and Christmas carols and how my favorite has changed over the years. When I was younger, I loved Good King Wenceslas. It’s upbeat tempo, its message of helping our neighbor, I just really loved it. But these last few years, my soul is called to O Holy Night. I can’t seem to listen to it without tearing up, every single time. “The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices/For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn..” This year, more than any other, these words speak to me so deeply they resonate within. I listen and let the tears flow, quietly. My husband doesn’t laugh or poke fun, just looks at me, touches my hair. He knows what it is like when music grabs you that forcefully.
This year we are supposed to be able to see “the Christmas Star”, Jupiter and Saturn coming close together for the first time since the middle ages, on the night of the Winter Solstice. The longest night of the year, it is also signifies the return of the light to the world after so many months of darkness. And I feel like that, that we are coming out of this darkness. We are not through the woods yet, but we have a light.
Stay safe everyone.
Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs.. 
I have a love for O Holy Night so deeply.
I am now obsessed with I Heard the Bells by Casting Crowns.. makes me cry every time.
I can NOT wait to see that star – praying for clear skies to get a gliimpse
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Now I have to find that and listen to it. I feel like I know it but I need a reminder. 🙂
Me too!!
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Such a beautiful post, especially the last paragraph, so fitting during these times.
Love the little gnome tray.
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Lol thanks! I am no artist but my five year old niece will love it. I hope!
And thank you.
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Oh, yes, I tear up with songs lately, too. I feel hope right now as well. Hang in there!
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Thank you Laurel-Rain! You too!!
My friend gets her vaccine tomorrow! Hopefully you have gotten yours or it is on its way to you soon! She said all the residents where she works are supposed to have it by the end of the month!
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I love this post more than I can say. I so get it. When you take out some of the frenzy of parties and gatherings and shopping you get down to basics and the slowing down means you can really enjoy. I won’t say this will be my best Christmas ever because I will miss our toddlers and gathering with friends. But so far, it’s a pretty good year.
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Thanks Jeannie. And I agree. My husband was talking about just that the other day, how he is enjoying this new slowness we are experiencing. And we have seen such a benefit for Wyatt as well, honestly. It won’t be the same this year, I will miss my family more than anything in the world, but as I look back we did have some good times this year. I am glad that you are having a pretty good year as well.
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Hope is the most important thing to have. Yes! Wonderful post. I’m emailing you my three favorite O Holy Night renditions because … um…. just because I think Billy needs to pat your head some more. 😉
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Lol! Well thanks a lot… 🙂
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Lol! You’re welcome! Plus, crying is therapeutic. So I tell myself when I cry over that song.
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It’s good to remember light is coming… And soon. Thanks for the reminder, Erin.
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We need to hold on to that!
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We are home for the first time in months and so appreciating having our space again. I’m not sure I’m content yet but I’m getting there. I’m so glad you’ve found some peace after this tough year. I love Christmas carols. The Holly and the Ivy is my absolute favorite and not one I hear very often but it always gets me.
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That must feel so good! There is no place like home. 🙂 You have had a particularly rough year, so if you don’t, give yourself some grace for sure. 🙂 That is ok. Ohhh.. I love The Holly and the Ivy. Good one!!! Take care Katherine.
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