I find this banner photo so appealing – a shot of Bergen, Norway – thanks to Shutterstock and photographer Tatyana Vyc. It allows me to view winter in its most beautiful light. Last Saturday, I sought out an exhibit at the National Art Gallery named:
Winter Count: Embracing the Cold
An exhibition highlighting winter’s influence across cultures and artistic traditions. Featuring over 150 works, it presents Indigenous, Canadian, and European perspectives. Visitors can discover how painters from Canada and Europe capture the effects of light on snow, revealing a shared visual language shaped by the season.”
This turned out to be a delightful way for me to explore winter within the walls and generous windows of the NAG: magnificent views, outstanding light and a beautifully curated exhibit, including the new walkway behind the gallery – along with a path leading to Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point). It beckoned me to go outside. This redeveloped public park offers panoramic views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Canadian Museum of History.
My experiment continued into Sunday when I attended a classical brass band concert. You know, I am sure, that there is magic in joining others in a beautiful space to listen to live music. These small outings did more than perk me up during November. They completed the transition to winter and a way to welcome the festive season of Christmas time.
Advent
Now for the fun things at the busiest time of the year. Not the frantic commercial aspects, but the small joys of outdoor lights on neighbour’s trees; the aromatics of dousing homemade dark fruitcake with the alcohol of your choice. A few notes written daily to friends and family – nothing to do with the Hallmark Christmas. Ordering the bittersweet chocolate for the first cookies that I will bake this Saturday. Noticing the daily activity on the canal as they prepare for a good skating year, or so I predict. Already sentimental about the few beautiful stories we read each year on Christmas Eve, and of course, our book exchange, which will happen on the 22nd.
Book Exchange better know as Jolabokaflod –our newish Tradition
Don’t get me wrong. I too can be overwhelmed at Christmas, yet, I still love it. A few years ago, we started a new tradition, adapted from the Icelandic custom of bookgiving, called Jolabokaflod. On the evening of the 22nd we will deposit our phones at the front door, exchange books, and curl up in comfy chairs in front of the tree and the fire, and read for the evening. Oops, I almost forgot that there will also be our favourite chocolates. In Iceland this takes place on Christmas Eve, but in our family this new tradition will happen the Sunday before. I love the idea of intentionally setting aside an evening to exchange books and read together. I can’t think of a nicer tradition to add than this particular family gathering.
Yesterday, the storm windows were installed, and I bought the first and only stollen (meaning only one each year) from my favourite bread bakery, True Loaf. This traditional German Christmas bread dates back to the Middle Ages. Although it is not my favourite treat, I like theirs, and it is delicious with my morning coffee, along with traditional music going back many centuries, such as this album from the Baltimore Consort, Bright Day Star, known to revive spirits. (certainly mine)
Taking time to enjoy these days – friends, family, favourite food, music, crisp air and the generosity and comfort of togetherness outdoors and indoors with candlelight and a glass of something special. There are so many ways to say I love you that have nothing to do with wrapped gifts. Don’t get me wrong, that is incredibly fun too, :-)) Just wanting to acknowledge that there is more to these holiday times.
December Holidays
These holiday times are not just about Christmas. Christmas is my tradition, but many of my friends celebrate Hanukkah, a festival of light. This year, the dates are Dec 14- 22nd and, once again, central to the celebration are the special foods, music, exchange of gifts and gathering with family and friends.
A wide range of global celebrations happen in December around the world, and three more I am aware of are Bodhi Day from the Buddhist tradition, St Lucia Day in Scandinavia, African American celebration called Kwanzaa and of course the solstice festivals of Yule. There are others I don’t know about, and you are welcome to let me know in the comments. I would love to know your traditions.
So I do intend to enjoy this month of December. In my corner of the world, it comes with cold and snowy weather, blue sky, Christmas trees, skiing and enthusiastic teens and adults. Being able to find those moments of stillness, joy, warm heartedness and fun is important even when we are going through difficult times.
My wish is that you find ways to enjoy this season in your own particular style. And if you aren’t interested, may you find ways to celebrate your life in the myriad of ways of your choosing. There are no formulas for leading a life despite what we are led to believe. Except perhaps kindness. The world and all of us can use more kindness.
May you find things to celebrate and light up your lives.
Notes:
1) These photos are all favourite winter scenes taken years ago by Gottfried.
2) Today I enjoyed this album, Bright Day Star by the Baltimore Consort, – for those of you who use streaming services, you should find it there.
3) Many, many thanks for reading my musings each week. A deep and warm bow of good wishes to you all, Trudy
Ah Trudy. Such a beautiful email tonight. I have changed our Christmas this year and it is as simple as it can get. Candles, music, lights, chocolate of course, good food, intimate family and friends. I love the book tradition – lovely. You brought such a sense of peace to me tonight. Thank you as always ….
Love your musings. I hope you have a wonderful holiday time with family and friends. Sending you much love. Happy Holidays🎄
Inspiring as always dear Trudy, love how you remind me that there are so many beautiful aspects of Christmas to seek out and enjoy. I especially enjoy your Jolabokaflod tradition, in fact I tend to think of the days after Christmas when the hype has died down as reading time – with chocolate of course. Happy season’s blessings to you!