Tender Moments Under The Tree

by Debra Mae White on December 26, 2011

The Christmas tree has always tantalized me. As a young child living in a bustling household with six siblings, I craved quiet. In those silent hours after bed time, I would sneak with caution to sit beneath the tinseled tree in stillness. Those precious moments spent staring at the glorious spectacle of a living tree donned in decorations meant the world to me.

One can feel the peace that permeates a room with a Christmas tree in the corner. The smell of fresh pine mingled with nature’s spices sets the stage for the holidays to unfold. This simple scent evokes a sensory experience rich with joyful memories. Perhaps this is why I was drawn as a child to soak up those stolen nights when I had the tree of the season all to myself.

Today I watch my daughter’s boyfriend jostle playfully with his red Labrador retriever, Shiner under our Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, my mother patiently showed my grandson how to use his first real paint set with our tree as a backdrop. Lights twinkled and ornaments collected from years of celebrations sparkled.  All the while, my heart warmed at seeing these expressions of tenderness.

Surely there is something sacred about time shared with the tree that stands watch over everything Christmas. No doubt, many trees surrounded the stable as wise guardians of the holy family in those ancient days of old. When I come close to the heart of the role these trees that hovered nearby played in the Christmas scene, I come close to spirit.

Is it any wonder the traditional tree has become the symbol of the holiest of holidays for me?

Savor the moment…

Debra Mae

{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Susan Strickland December 27, 2011 at 10:52 pm

“The tree that stands watch over everything Christmas”—I love that, Debra.

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Debra Mae December 28, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Thanks Susan. May the New Year continue to bring blessings to us one and all.

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Margaret Duarte December 28, 2011 at 1:19 pm

Oh my, I can’t imagine Christmas without a tree decorated with lights and ornaments. It adds so much warmth to the room it’s in and to the festive and holy occasion. Yes, I believe the Christmas tree finds room within many hearts, one of the reasons this is a favorite time of year.

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Devoni Wardlow January 7, 2012 at 6:59 pm

Mine is still standing watch over everything in the New Year, but about to be taken down until it stands watch again next Christmas. It’s always that last thing I reluctantly pack away.

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