Friday, December 23, 2011

How to enjoy the holidays

I've always loved the holidays, probably because my mom loves this time and infused me with her appreciation from an early age. 


My mom is the most incredible artist, and every year she comes up with another incredible creative outlet for the holidays. When I was a kid, she made these Christmas candy trees--styrofoam cones covered with fragrant balsam tree sprigs and candy. She'd leave them in the lobby of our apartment building for all the kids. 


She made ornaments and angels, trees and wreaths, decorated the apartment until it looked like a Christmas wonderland. Helping my mom with all that stuff and just being surrounded by it brought me such cheer. 


Now, she is making the most artistic, beautiful mosaic flower pots. She's given me a few and I don't have plants that are really worthy of them, but I try to put them in prominent places anyway. 



















My mom always loved decorating the apartment so much, I think it must be hard for her now that we celebrate Christmas here in Maryland at my aunt's house and we're not at the apartment to enjoy the wonderland she used to create. But I hope she feels, as I do, that what she created is still unfurling in the world. 








My parents have always been very materially generous with me and my siblings; we have never wanted for anything in the physical world. I know that for my parents, the material things they've given us have simply been manifestations of love. For a little kid, who doesn't understand abstract concepts like Love, food and toys and Christmas presents are obvious ways for a parent to express the almost unbearably intense love they have for their children. That habit died hard for my parents and they still send me delightful care packages and dog snacks all the time. 



But each year, the Christmas gift-giving gets a little less frantic and the emphasis shifts a bit more to other things. This year, we've decided there will be very few gifts. My parents are coming down with Dizzy and Barry and Elyse and Uncle Johnny, and we'll celebrate Christmas Eve with my sister and Christmas with my aunt. 


I'm certain that a few gifts will change hands--my sister has resolved to give the gift of abrasive soap to one and all--and my mom will make her devastatingly scrumptious nutty vegan meatballs. But the best thing of all is that we'll be together, and will get a chance to exchange the nonmaterial gifts we have learned about from an early age from our indulgent, dog-loving, generous, creative parents.

11 comments:

  1. What beautiful Christmas memories! Loved all the pictures. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas and prosperous New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is so beautiful Kirsten, you are so lucky to have such amazing and nurturing parents, it's no wonder you are so generous.

    Merry Christmas to you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy holidays to you and your lovely family!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Kirsten, thank you. Your post reminded me of alot of things that my parents used to do for my brother and I when we were little. We have alot of good memories. And so do you. We were all very lucky and fortunate.

    ReplyDelete
  5. That is so lovely! I hope you and the family have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the time you are spending together.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like a lovely way to spend the holiday :D

    Merry Christmas to you all!
    Roo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Christmas memories are the best. Cute pictures
    Benny & Lily

    ReplyDelete
  8. Its always nice to think of Christmas's past

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a wonderful post, and such a beautiful tribute to your parents! They sound like amazing people! And all the photos are so lovely!

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! And may your Christmas Day be filled with much love and happiness!

    Cheers,

    K and Suka

    ReplyDelete
  10. what a sweet post. i really enjoyed reading it, and looking at the pictures. your dad with the shepherd lol. your family sounds lovely and i think they've bequeathed you a healthy sense of what matters in life. too rare these days.

    i know you'll be holding them tight these holidays. all my best wishes for a wonderful time x

    ReplyDelete
  11. We now feel all warm & fuzzy after reading about your wonderful family. Hope you had a great holiday!

    XOXOXO
    Pauley James

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.