Pajamas and projects. That’s what I long for this time of year. When school was out for at least two weeks, the weather was bitter and the time at home aplenty. It was when I would stay in my bed attire until late in the day, do 5000 piece puzzles with my big sister and create fun craft projects with the seemingly endless time. This photo aptly illustrates one of those holidays. I think I was about 12 when I repurposed this cold metal chicken feeder into a “work of art” with paint pens and filled it with chocolate M&Ms.
Despite the glimmer of trees, mistletoe and gifts, it is the memory of time that I long for. I imagine myself sitting fireside with a book, still in my PJs at 2pm, sipping hot cider after a lunch of boxed Macaroni & Cheese. But like so many childhood Christmas memories, they are best cherished in the past and appreciated for what they were. My chicken feeder is long worn out with the delicate designs washing away a little more each year. I could rush in with paints to repair it, or even create a shiny new one. But there the magic would die. Sparked out from overuse and a feeble attempt to make it last forever. Sometimes the more we grasp for what we had, the more painful the reality is that it is no longer there. Instead we can find new joy in the yet-to-be traditions, building a love all their own.
This year there will not be a 2 week vacation, a mile high Christmas tree or a pile of presents to match. Instead there will be Christmas eve cocktails with loved ones, packing meals for home-bound seniors on Christmas morning, and a fulfilling donation to a family truly in need. While I love the memories of the past, I excitedly await new untraditional holidays and the chicken feeders of my future.
Most joyous holiday wishes to you and your unfound traditions.