I’ll come right out and say it: this is not my favorite time of year, for a number of reasons. I dislike the deepening gloom and cold, the forced conviviality, the consumerist gifting excesses, the year-in-retrospect media pontificating, and the frantic scurrying to get things done and start the new year with a clean slate. But there’s always a silver lining. I love the dazzling holiday decorations and the ubiquitous Christmas carols. And who can disagree with sentiments of good will and harmony? I’ll take it. So here’s my tribute to the season.
Last week we shivered in arctic cold, but a warm front moved in on Friday, and this weekend throughout most of the Northeast, we basked in balmy temperatures which melted most of the snow. In fact, Worcester Airport recorded 63 degrees today, the first official full day of winter, tying a high set in 1923.
On my walk today, I watched the sun set over the apple orchard. Behind the trees, barely visible, is a solar panel farm.
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”
Our street doesn’t go crazy with Christmas lights. I like this tasteful display.
“Up on the housetop reindeer pause”
I hung a wreath made of bells on my front door.
“Soon it will be Christmas Day”
My little tree’s topper is a Hawaii-themed angel ornament.
“Hang a shining star upon the highest bough”
On display in the Student Union at UMass are six small trees decorated with wishes for peace.
“Peace on earth and mercy mild”
I contributed a tag with a wish to end global conflicts (Syria, South Sudan, and many more), though I don’t think my tag is one of those below.
“God and sinners reconciled”