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Oh Christmas Tree
A festive offering to the gods of our house, or offering shade for the gifts that lie beneath – why do Christmas trees decorate our homes in the festive season? Cut from boughs of a large fur or wrapped in tinsel; they are a tradition we’ve inherited yet when it comes to their meaning can we all concur?
Just why do we have this living (preferably!) thing to adorn with lights and ornaments? A star at its peak, an angel, or fairy, overlighting our dreams as we eat and make merry. If presents from Santa are in stockings on the hearth, why do we have a tree that holds our gifts to one another?
The smell of pine a favourite, although needles drop and we must vacuum the carpet. A living specimen contained in a pot, perhaps the ideal, depending on what time we’ve got. But do we ever stop and think about nature, about the process of growth – the life force that can teach us?
How many months or years does it take to form a remarkable specimen – some alive before we were born? As we pause and spare a thought for nature, we might consider our forests that are in danger. Or think of the effort the harvesting takes, and the many hands involved to bring this creation to our place. Or if we have plastic the footprint, it is true, now we must consider carbon if we care about the earth.
Yet really it is simple, and no cause for concern, a reminder of how things are connected, to be mindful as we learn – to appreciate each passing year, each tradition passed that brings good cheer; the apogee of the calendar year.
A tree that is rooted in family connections, with branches reaching their way to the heavens. The magic attached as we turn on the lights – like the twinkling of stars in the darkest night. Our lives are illumined, as children’s eyes light up, the treasure on top, reminding us to look up.
To remember what’s above us, and what lies below: the earth that we stand on, whether in summer or snow. The provider of all we need to live, the mother of all the gifts we give – the tree a ‘transformer’ enriching our lives; the bounty of nature bridging the earth and the skies.
Straddling the worlds, the ladder to other realms, pointing the way to dimensions as yet unfurled. A thing of awe or reverence – for the air we breathe comes from this source, no matter what disturbance. The wind and rain might dampen our spirits, yet all of nature holds us in an agreement: honour what we cherish, all that is ours on earth to inherit.
Continuing with the legacy of olde,
Our guardians throughout the world
Stand tall and strong absorbing light,
For all to see this Christmas night.
Without them the world would most surely be bereft, for they hold our lives in balance – for all eternity. Mindful we may celebrate, and within our hearts keep a special place, for all of nature – for the state of harmony we call grace.