My tradition has always been to cut greenery and make wreaths and mantel decorations on the winter solstice and then think about Christmas afterward. At the old house I used to put branches on the banisters and porches as well as decorating inside. Here, I do the fireplace mantel and put wreathes on the front windows and door. And a tree. So far a cut tree, but I’d like a live one. One day . . .
This year we have a house full of guests, and Yule falling on a Sunday left us also with a house full of drop-in visitors. And I have learned that when people drop-by you stop and visit with them. This is a challenge for my compulsive “get-things-done-as-planned” approach to life, and I would be dishonest if I said I was not aware of the darkening sky as we sat and talked, my pile of branches still waiting to be turned into wreaths. On the other hand, my goal is to celebrate the way of life I have chosen rather than imposing my old lifestyle on this new place. Solstice is the moment we celebrate the lengthening of days and my privilege means increased daylight is not connected to work, so I relaxed and finished my yule wreaths on the 22nd (and I am still looking for a bunch of mistletoe I can reach).
But we did not have a tree.
Once upon a time people here cut young junipers that had sprouted in fallowed fields, and some still do, but many of the rest of us pick one up from the large tree-filled tents outside the E.Leclerc supermarket. We got a 10’ beauty there two years ago, but there were none left when I went on Saturday, so we asked friends the best place to buy a tree. Walter was working, so my brother-in-law who knows the area like the back of his hand offered to lead the expedition. The sign by the greenhouse on the outskirts of Gaillac promised more trees inside, but all four of them were 2’ tall at most and pretty scrawny. We asked if he had suggestions for where a larger one might be had, but he confidently asserted that there were none left anywhere. As evidence he told us that even E.Leclerc didn’t have any.
We set off for Albi. And there, by the side of the road we saw a garden store with trees outside. Most were rooted in pots that we could not fit in the car. Two were cut and perched in the log holders they sell with cut trees here. None was taller than 4’ and the woman was about to leave for an appointment. “We will take this one, thank you. Here is the €42 indicated on the sign.”
We drove further toward Albi thinking that if we saw a larger one we would just have two and that would be fine. We did not. So we bought our tragic tree back home and perched her in a tall plant pot to make her look larger. And there she sat until those of us who wanted to decorate her all managed to be in the same spot at the same time. Christmas Day!
Somewhat delayed, we have a cheerful tree, wreaths and living sashes, and lights. And a lovely warm stove to sit in front of as we celebrate our various holidays.
May you have a glorious Solstice (December 21), a happy last day of Hanukkah (December 22), a blessed Christmas (December 25), a deep and meaningful Kwanza (December 26), and a peaceful mid-December. And may you have the luxury of a warm hearth, abundant light, and loving friends around you. My heart is with those who lack any or all of these things.
