I am reading this in February on a pouring with rain half term day with a cup of tea. A brief break between a busy morning and a busy afternoon. These words and connotations are utterly beautiful and I feel them as much on this rainy, February day as on a wintry December day. 💖
Beautifully written and poignant. As someone who has also suffered loss this year, your writing about the signs and synchronicities such as rainbows, robins, feathers and FaceTime calls was a joy to read. Its nice to feel a common thread with others even if it's in a grief club to which I'd rather not belong. I find my tribe in the strangest of places. Thank you.
I love the idea of sensing the subtle beauty beneath the Christmas hustle. It's too easy to get sucked into the whys and wherefores, to worship the baubles, get pulled into the must haves of scarcity consciousness rather than honour the unadorned simple truth of tree, symbolising peace. We even cut her off from her roots to adorn our homes then discard her at 12th night, when she's a symbol of hope and interconnection.
Lovely piece Beth. I spent Christmas alone, like I do every year since my family has passed. It was a rough Christmas this year. However, I joined your Winter Writing Sanctuary and that is lifting my spirits. I can’t wait to get writing.
What a lovely Christmas Eve surprise in my inbox as I sit for a moment between parsnip peeling and hanging out sheets in the wild wind. As I approach 70, I look back on many Christmases. And there has been so much love amongst the vegetable peelings and the supermarket queues. This year we are invited to lunch at our son's , the first with our baby granddaughter. Love is mysterious, I've been so fortunate to receive it and I know that my heart just grows and grows to take in the enormously intense feelings when I look at her.
This was so beautiful and evocative of my childhood/teenage/20s/30s self travelling to see family in Devon between Christmas and New Year. As per your words, it has been more difficult recently with small babies in tow. Sending much love to you at this most tender Christmas, I am sure your mum’s presence will be felt through all that you do xx
Thank you, Beth. This was exactly what my heart needed right now.
I will take this with me as I unfold into Christmas Eve. I also find myself chatting with strangers more this time of year. Perhaps I can carry the festive feels further (the sense of interbeing - into the New Year.
And I believe in signs - I love the ones your mom is placing in your path. My dad visits that way often. Merry Christmas ✨🫶
Love the concept of how we feel we’re running late the whole year but we all arrive together at year’s end. 🙏🏼
I am reading this in February on a pouring with rain half term day with a cup of tea. A brief break between a busy morning and a busy afternoon. These words and connotations are utterly beautiful and I feel them as much on this rainy, February day as on a wintry December day. 💖
Beautifully written and poignant. As someone who has also suffered loss this year, your writing about the signs and synchronicities such as rainbows, robins, feathers and FaceTime calls was a joy to read. Its nice to feel a common thread with others even if it's in a grief club to which I'd rather not belong. I find my tribe in the strangest of places. Thank you.
I love the idea of sensing the subtle beauty beneath the Christmas hustle. It's too easy to get sucked into the whys and wherefores, to worship the baubles, get pulled into the must haves of scarcity consciousness rather than honour the unadorned simple truth of tree, symbolising peace. We even cut her off from her roots to adorn our homes then discard her at 12th night, when she's a symbol of hope and interconnection.
'Even at Christmas, I long for Christmas' Yes! The longing is possibly greatest at this time of year. Bittersweet indeed 🩷
Lovely piece Beth. I spent Christmas alone, like I do every year since my family has passed. It was a rough Christmas this year. However, I joined your Winter Writing Sanctuary and that is lifting my spirits. I can’t wait to get writing.
Beautiful. I long for this feeling of peace to last as I sit in the post Christmas quiet. Before the storm of activities recommences.
Simply beautiful. 🙏🕯️🕯️🕯️
Thank you for this. So beautiful.
Beautiful and calming this Christmas Eve morning. It was as if I was riding along beside you on that train. Thank you for this. 🌟
Thank you. Very real but also inspired a sense of peace🤗
What a lovely Christmas Eve surprise in my inbox as I sit for a moment between parsnip peeling and hanging out sheets in the wild wind. As I approach 70, I look back on many Christmases. And there has been so much love amongst the vegetable peelings and the supermarket queues. This year we are invited to lunch at our son's , the first with our baby granddaughter. Love is mysterious, I've been so fortunate to receive it and I know that my heart just grows and grows to take in the enormously intense feelings when I look at her.
Sending much love to you and your family x
This was so beautiful and evocative of my childhood/teenage/20s/30s self travelling to see family in Devon between Christmas and New Year. As per your words, it has been more difficult recently with small babies in tow. Sending much love to you at this most tender Christmas, I am sure your mum’s presence will be felt through all that you do xx
Weirdly I wrote a short story last night called the Christmas Train, serendipity. Beautiful reflections for this time of year.
Beautiful piece!
Thank you, Beth. This was exactly what my heart needed right now.
I will take this with me as I unfold into Christmas Eve. I also find myself chatting with strangers more this time of year. Perhaps I can carry the festive feels further (the sense of interbeing - into the New Year.
And I believe in signs - I love the ones your mom is placing in your path. My dad visits that way often. Merry Christmas ✨🫶
🫶✨