For me, Christmas is a festive time. I love the lights, the music, and the colors. I believe in the spirit and the magic of Santa Claus all year, especially during this season. But there is not enough time! My calendar is full of wonderful events, A holiday stroll at a local bookstore, the lighting of our Town Christmas Tree, and frequent trips to the local nursery for fragrant greenery, and sparkling treasures. This week, it was a fun concert at the library and another at a theater. Next weekend a beautiful musical evening of Carols at the historic church on the green. Lunch with about 30 members of my HS graduating Class of 1960. - yes - we are all in our 80th year - an opportunity to be thankful that we are all still able to be out and about no matter the challenges we are facing.
I dislike shopping for gifts and feeling the pressure of finding something just to buy, I know that the best gifts are those when we give ourselves. My son's friend cheerfully climbed the ladder and hung the wreath in my front window. My neighbor who does not celebrate Christmas brought me a huge and yummy bowl of soup native to her Iranian culture. Her daughter walks my puppies occasionally. My Grandson, responds when I need a heavy box carried, or gives up time to help his dad build a deck for me. Those are the gifts I treasure.
Are you wondering where flowers fit into this narrative? Amid all the fun and "busyness" of the holiday, our family is grieving. I am missing my husband who passed 7 years ago in November and this year, the loss of a special loved one who spent most of her lifetime, dealing with mental and addiction issues.
As I struggled with what to say to my adult granddaughter who lives across the country, I knew how much I was comforted by the beautiful flowers I received when her Grampa died.
No words were necessary. The flowers said it all. So, Peonies and tulips and roses, delivered on a snowy day - accompanied by simple words: "My arms are enveloping you in big hugs. Love, Gramma." would be the beginning of healing. Her simple response: "I love you!"
As for me, my husband and I loved to host our friends at dinner parties and holiday parties. He, the "chef", created great menus and yummy food, and I, the decorator, carefully, chose just the right plates and flowers. I still host the parties and every year it brings back happy memories of those fun times. This year was no exception. For the first time after moving from our forever home to my new tiny house, I anxiously planned a guest list and chose a menu. New traditions begin. The lights were lit, the wreath hanging, the trees decorated, the food prepared, and the table set. Sure wished my righthand cook was there to help.
It was like a Hallmark movie set when, just as guests were arriving, light snow began to fall, turning the outside into a winter wonderland of white. Perfect! Last-minute panic. - Oh my Gosh! How could I have missed it? Darn, darn, darn! I had picked greenery from the yard but there wasn't a flower in the house! How could -- The Flower Lady - have forgotten?
Santa must have been working his magic as the first guest rang the bell. Welcoming them in, they handed me the most beautiful bouquet of my very favorite holiday flowers, white tulips, and green hydrangeas the star of the bouquet! The table was complete. The party had one more guest - unseen but there in spirit. Thankful for good friends and good memories.
A simple act of kindness transformed my evening. The food tasted better, the candles glowed brighter, the laughter and happy conversations were animated, and the spirit of the season was blooming!
Never underestimate the power of a flower
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