Sunday, December 15, 2013

christmas has become yule

I have collected Christmas tree ornaments since the year dot. My collection includes lots of Santas, several angels, plenty of stars and bells, and a half dozen or so Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus - in various poses.  As my beliefs have changed some of the old ornaments have lost their meaning and I no longer want them on my tree.  Sure, I share my life with Darrin, but he's always left the decorating up to me.  I'm curious to see if he or anyone notices my pagan beauty.  Since I'm the one decorating it (and cleaning up afterwards) I tend to think of it as my tree.

My Yule tree.
 
My celebration of the return of light to the world. 



Paulette at Having Written left a comment on my last post about how she decorates her Yule tree and I kept those words close to me as I decorated this year. For the last couple of years I have reduced the Christian symbols and increased the bells and stars. The Santas can stay - they remind me of gnomes and in my home are a symbol of the earth. The bells remind me of air, the lights and stars are my fire. Snowflakes represent water in its winter form. 

As I sit here in my favorite chair, glowing almost as much as my beautiful tree, I am so proud of how far I have come. I don't worship anything these days, however, I have a respect for the earth and time and life that has made me grateful and happy and content.

Whatever you are celebrating this week I wish you joy.

~Sam

)O(

3 comments:

  1. How wonderful. Earth and time and life. Your Pagan way is perfect. Guilt free,as it should be and free to form your own beliefs. By Jove, I think you've got it! Blessings.
    Di
    xoxo

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  2. Your tree sounds lovely! I've reduced my Christian imagery to pretty much nil on my tree. A few angels are left but they're kind of interfaith, you know?

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  3. Hi Sam,

    I bet your tree looks lovely.
    I'm humbled to know my words were helpful to you.
    We purchased a small pencil tree for our little House. The big tree no longer fits.
    I pulled out all my snow flake ornaments, owls, silver pine cones, a some red ornaments for contrast and of course those family ornaments that our sons created in when they were little and in school.

    I think one of my presents under the tree this year is a new camera! I may have to open it early.

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