201204 Peace Comfort Joy

I dedicate this post to a dear friend who has just welcomed a new (rescued) dog into his home. A dog is forever an optimist, and even as he ducks a sudden gesture, he will believe in a new life and cleave to a new human with absolute trust, in a very short time. I have seen so many rescue dogs who, never mind the cruelty or pain they suffered before, soon begin to trust and love a new human and commit themselves to a new life of obedience and devotion as is their joy in life.

Dec. 4

The streets are covid-quiet and the weather is Toronto Christmas: grey, a wet snow falling, leftover patches of white on the still-green grass. I am transported to Christmas days past. One of the dog-owner's realities is that rain or shine, snow or a cold wind blowing, you have to walk the dog. It is good for you: the fresh air, exercise, and an appreciation of the weather: you begin to know the subtlies of the cold, the varieties of snow, how the wind tempers the day. You learn to dress for the weather - something they know about in Edmonton, but tend to ignore in Toronto where it doesn't matter so much. You even have to walk the dog on Christmas day, and this is a small joy: in the midst of the sparkle and brightness, the gathering of family and friends, while the turkey is in the oven and the delicious brunch still spread on the table, you put on your boots and take the dog, who is oblivious to the holiday but attuned to the excitement, out into a day that is likewise oblivious to the human condition. The streets are quiet and empty and you have stepped off the holiday express into an unspecial daily ritual, walking the same path, alone except for the dog and able to set aside the tumult and excitement and just be. Your joy in the day is there, small in your chest, but for a little while a peace settles on your spirit, that contentment of knowing that all is done or will be done, there is nothing to hurry for. This is the feeling I have had recently when Fig and I are out: a calm, while your awareness narrows, or perhaps expands, into breathing and walking. It is a mindfulness, being here and now for a little while, a refreshment to give yourself some strength and focus for the remainder of the day. 

*****

It is going to be an unusual Christmas. For most it will be a smaller, less expensive celebration. For many years I have encouraged, in our house, the giving of second-hand presents rather than new-bought gifts, or something you make yourself. It may be a once-favorite treasure or piece of clothing that you are ready to pass to another, or an item found at a church bazaar or a charity shop that is perfect for someone special. It is precious, not because it cost a lot but because it is just the thing for that person. The feeling of happiness it gives you is untainted by worry about the expense. In addition there is no sense of competition because everyone is in the second-hand boat. There are books to be found or toys, a vintage camisole or a designer purse. You can knit a scarf, make a collage or a painting, jars of jam and fudge. 

I love to shop but I am often aware of the waste and extravagance of buying that which we don't really need. We are, as a country, so rich that we give away our toys and clothes and move on to newer models and fashions without a backward glance. I wonder if we even put the care into our choices that we would if they were going to be longer in our lives. 

I remember still the first church bazaar that my mother took me to; the tables were groaning under a wonderful esoteric and eccentric collection of every sort of object, from travel souvenir kitch to antique ceramic ware, from wooden spoons to needle-nose pliers. The one lesson my mother taught me was pick it up first, something that catches your eye. Then you can examine it to see if it's in good nick (condition), to figure out what it is (!) and decide if you want it, before someone else grabs it, and they will! It's guaranteed that when you put it down again someone else will immediately pick it up to see why it interested you. 

Second-hand shopping is a learning experience. You will develop an eye for your favorite styles,  collectibles and brand names. I carry a tape measure for sizing clothes since most brands vary widely in their sizes. You just half your waist and bust measurements and then measure the garment from seam to seam at waist or bust. 

There were no church sales this fall, nor were there any garage sales in the summer, because of the pandemic, but Value Village, The Salvation Army Store and other second-hand places are open with covid-19 protocols in place. If you are already set on going out to shop, these are just as safe as a new-stuff store. If instead you want to scrounge at home or make something, what more thoughtful and generous gift can you give than something you have loved or made by your own hand?

I would add to this thrifty approach to the holiday, whenever or whatever you celebrate, that the food you eat and the entertainment you seek be likewise ecologically and financially gentle. Homemade holiday fare may be as decadent as store-bought but satisfies so many other yearnings we feel in a human ritual, the creation of something, the celebration of the simple bounty of food in the cupboard and fuel for the fire to see us through the winter, the need to provide for our family and friends, to share our wealth. It surpasses in safety (during covid), in expense, in commerciality (probably not a real word), any other treat. Your friends love your signature recipes and homemade fudge as much as any Toblerone or Black Magic gift box. Find your own level of comfort and joy and be faithful to it, this will bring you peace in the holiday.

*****

Mumma Yaga embraced her winter persona on Dec. 1, when snow fell and we built the beginnings of an igloo. "Who knew", asked Indre, "that a Gramma could do such a thing?!" Robin has been Snow Boy and I have been Winter Lady for a couple of weeks now and we may have inadvertently conjured up this snow we've been having.

   

The children took out a candle and huddled warm in their shelter when night fell. 

Keep safe. Thank you for visiting. Mumma Yaga is doing okay.

The simplest decoration - old fashioned lights on a border hedge - and all the lights on all the homes say, "We are glad to be a part of this village. A Happy Holiday to all."