Evergreen

My 2013 Christmas Tree

In December there is the tradition of the hanging of the greens.  We cut spruce and pine branches and hang them in our home.  We even cut down an evergreen tree and stand it up in our living room.   We decorate it with shiney glass balls, garland, tinsel and sparkling lights.  Granted, many of us have opted for artifical trees, yet the meaning remains.  The evergreen is a symbol of eternal life.  

In my family we have always had a Christmas tree.  We had blue spruce, balsam and Douglas Firs, Noble, a Ponderosa and even a Scotch and Deodor.  It wasn't until I was livng alone that I finally switched to artificial.  And there are two years I didn't have a tree at all.  One was the year my beloved Aunt Bobbie died during the holidays and the other was a year I just wasn't "feeling it."  Dark years.  So now I put up a tree, decorate it brightly with ornaments new and old (I have some really old family ornaments) and enjoy it.  Even if no one comes by.  I enjoy it because it reminds me that some things are eternally mine.  Memories.  Love.  Faith.  Friends.  Family.  And more.

The evergreen is to me all the above.  The journey through advent takes us through the piney valley of cherished memories and encourages us to make more.  It is what you put into Christmas that matters.

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