I have been lax with my blogging, particularly the writing part. I plan on being more with it in the New Year.
I posted this post several years ago. It speaks to what I feel about Christmas and what I feel we have lost as it has become more commodified each year.
I recall cold winter nights, almost minus 40 at night. My bedroom window was almost completely frosted over. On moonlit nights, the light kept me awake or that is what I told others.
To give you a sense of how sound travels in the cold, when we are at the farm during the winter, I hear the train (about a mile away) and it sounds like it is coming through the house.
Growing up in Northern Alberta, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Christmas were a big part of growing up and it was not just their light show. I heard and saw them, dancing and crackling in the night sky. I thought the sky talked to me.
During Advent, my mom and older brothers walked across the street for evening Mass. The younger ones, including me, went to bed. I did not fall asleep right away and watched out the window. I thought no one saw me, but my Mom would come up and tell me to go to bed.
Small children–
Breathlessly awaiting,
Peering through frosted window
Soaking it in.
Heavens rippling–
Lights undulating;
A celebratory fury
An indisputable guide.
This old house speaks;
Nature answers–
Heavens crackle
Sweet symphonic sounds shimmering.
Earth’s floor–
Blanketed in white
Celestial colours speaking
Capturing young senses.
A vivid winter scene,
A sensual, sensory palette,
Reminding us–
Christ’s Mass is here.
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 