Official winter and Christmas are only three weeks away. Decorations and lights have been put up on the streets, in the shop windows, in people’s homes – even ours despite the inherent sadness this year. I watched a TED talk by Nora McInerny about loss and the ubiquitous phrase, “move on” used so often when talking to family members after a death. Her point is that things keep happening and we do move forward (because there is no alternative) but we NEVER “move on” as in negate the fact that the dead person lived, loved and affected our lives in any way.
Our Christmas celebrations will be minimal this year, but that’s ok. Our wee tree is up in the living room adding a soft glow of warm lights in the evenings. Christmas cards and a few small gifts have been sent out to friends and family. Someone asked, “How can you do Christmas cards?” I said, “How can I not? It pleases me to reach out to people, wish them happiness at this time of year, and not dwell on what we’ve lost – too much.”
So, for anyone I may have missed or failed to send a card this year, I sincerely do wish you a Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays and hope that there’s joy in your homes this year.
Capturing Cherished Memories 