Griz and I are lean on Christmas traditions. Christmas loot for the “next generations” is often mailed rather than delivered in person. The Christmas festivities in which we do participate don’t occur every year and rarely on Christmas Day.
But even in those years when I do no other Christmas decorating, I like to make a wreath for our gate.
It’s my way of honoring the beauty and sentiment of the Christmas season. I don’t define myself as a Christian, but I consider Jesus Christ a great spiritual teacher. Any religious tradition that celebrates peace, love and compassion is a positive thing; and humankind needs all the positivity it can muster.
Ironically, when we first moved here in 1995, we had no gate. But as the population increased, transitioning the area from from rural to suburban; our long, gravel driveway (with no buildings visible from the road) became more and more inviting to random “explorers.”
At first we didn’t close the gate all the time, let alone lock it. Now it’s locked all the time - when we’re home and when we’re not - a sad symbol of changing times.
The circular shape and evergreen component of wreaths symbolize the eternal cycle of life. Perhaps the reason I like to put up a wreath each year is to sustain my fragile hope that eventually we’ll change direction – cycle back to a time of fewer gates and fewer locks - a time of peace, love and easy trust – the legacy I believe Jesus Christ had in mind.
May the hope and loving peace of this holiday season sustain you through the coming year.
