“The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.”

 ~Clement Clarke Moore (1779 – 1863)

  Note: reflection written by ~liz Sorensen Wessel

After a busy week, three of us girlfriends began a Sabbath weekend together in a sweet fashion. We rang in the holiday season with the festive tradition of decorating gingerbread houses. Oh, how the confectioners sugar whipped up into glistening snow as we each created our winter wonderland.  Next trimming the houses with colorful gumdrops, peppermints and snowmen, reindeer and Santa’s galore.  Oh no, we are losing Santa, as he slipped through a widening gap in the rooftop peak. Move quickly elves, there are repairs you must do! Alas, not all was lost, as we saved Shirley's house from the brink of disaster amidst fits of laughter.   

 What happens when we participate in whimsical and fun arts and crafts projects? There seems to be a shift in our consciousness when we use our hands to create. A child-like magic that ensues as we move out of our heads and straight into the heart of playfulness (did I mention the lemon drop martini?)

 This is the second year we have gathered at Jen’s home for a lovely dinner and hopefully a long lasting tradition of gingerbread merry-making. We commented that this was the best kind of Christmas gift giving, of friendship, rambunctious laughter and the simple joy of spending time together.

  Our traditions create lasting memories for our families and friends. What a splendid custom to bring a live tree into one’s home and decorate it with lights and ornaments! How many nostalgic memories come flooding back as we remove each ornament from it’s box to find it’s noble place on the tree. I fondly remember how my nephew Anthony, at age three, could recite Moore’s entire poem, "Twas the Night before Christmas” in such an adorable way. I also recall that when my dad was the happiest he would greet his friends with a warm "Hello, sugarplum!"

 This time of year is one of mixed blessings or as Dickens aptly stated, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." The holidays can be a mix of joy and sadness. For many there is hardship;  illness, unemployment, loss of loved ones, and memories that can stimulate melancholy.  Hopefully, we can avoid the rushing frenzy of preparations and gift buying and instead practice self-care.  Over time, I have given up overspending and replaced it with gifts that I create. Not only this season, but throughout all of my days, I hope to expand these expressions of love in simple but meaningful ways .

 May we give the most precious gifts we have from the sanctuary of our hearts; Love, forgiveness, celebration, friendship, time, attention, a listening presence and acceptance.

In offering a receptive presence to our co-workers, loved ones, patients and family members, an intimacy enfolds that knows no bounds.  That is the miracle of Love,  even the smallest gesture is healing. 

Let us gift ourselves as well (as a friend recently encouraged me to do), “ Speak the truth always, as best you can, from your heart. That is all we can do.”

 Happy sugarplum dancing!

With love,

~liz