We begin in even quieter form than we did last year, when we had both holly and ivy to kick off the season. Today, it’s holly alone, and we’ll have to add the ivy at a later date. Maybe it’s better to space them out a bit, to allow for a longer and more lasting season. This year it’s going to take some Herculean efforts to push me into holiday merriment, so it will be best to keep expectations low, to take in the little moments of quiet and stillness, or maybe take a few walks in the woods if the weather allows.
Reconnecting with nature is the goal this winter. That will take some planning and work, as my habit at this time of the year is to retreat inside, replacing the daily walk around our little house with spells in the attic, or channel-surfing by the fireplace in the basement. If I put out the intent to get outside more, maybe I’ll manifest the action. Let this be an earnest intention to make the attempt.
“The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.”
