Final countdown

Thus times do shift: each thing his turn does hold:
New things succeed, as former things grow old.

Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

The Christmas Clock is ticking away, along with 2011. Home is a quiet sanctuary, but out in the world everyone is rushing around and not looking happy about it. There's so much work and anticipation for just one day, and each year I get caught up again. All those holiday decisions that seem important: roast beef or ham? cheesecake or rum cake? how many Christmas cookies is too many cookies? how much should a Nana spoil a little girl? And so on...stuff that won't matter just two weeks from now. Although if you want a fancy Christmas celebration, someone does have to think about these things.

So take a deep breath and let your favorite carol bring tears to your eyes for the thousandth time. My has always been The Holly and the Ivy, a traditional English carol. I can't sing, but I used to hum it while I was riding Sizzle alone in the winter woods. And she would cock an ear and glance back at me.

Holly images appear everywhere at Christmas. Evergreens are ancient symbols of renewal and hope. Holly traditionally defends against poor health and spiritual dangers. In a northern midwinter, holly and ivy have always been symbols of rebirth, a sign that spring is near.