Week 20

In words reminiscent of the great Charlie Brown: Christmastime is here, happiness and cheer. It’s been a busy time and I look forward to escaping for a bit. More on that below.

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I’ve added a translation button to the blog! It should be hovering in the bottom left corner of the page and you can choose between English and French. I like to be precise with my words so I’m a little concerned that the French translation, thanks to Google, will misinterpret what I’m saying. But what is life without risk, right?

Et en français – j’ai ajouté un bouton de traduction au blog ! Il devrait se trouver dans le coin inférieur gauche de la page et vous pouvez choisir entre l’anglais et le français. J’aime être précis dans mes mots, donc je crains un peu que la traduction française, grâce à Google, ne interprète mal ce que je dis. Mais qu’est-ce que la vie sans risque, n’est-ce pas ?

Challenges

I cherish memories of Christmases past. The excitement of unwrapping gifts – I can still smell that Barbie camper. Bags of peanuts and candy after the Sunday School concert. Seeing aunts, uncles and cousins on Christmas Day. Family time, especially singing together. Dad reading the Bible story. Board games and all-day eating. Mom’s home-made sweets, or dainties as we knew them. Seemingly endless gatherings that doubled when I was married.

I know that memories are more perfect than reality – I like it that way – but it still makes current day Christmas a challenge. I miss large gatherings and many of the traditions I grew up with.

For years, I struggled through the ache of the season and finally understood that it can help to throw out the template. Two years ago, I spent Christmas in Morocco and loved it, so I’m returning this year. I leave on Sunday for 10 days in a small port city. I’ll enjoy a few days on my own before I’m joined by a couple of friends. I’m excited to catch up with them and to ring in the New Year together.

I didn’t expect to experience anything Christmassy in Morocco but, this week, discovered that the riad I’m staying in is preparing Christmas dinner! Here is the fireside meal I will share with other guests. My challenge turns to joy.

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Joys

An unexpected gift

My social security number arrived in the mail today! This means I’m now covered for medical and can apply for my health card. Once again, where I heard many stories of people struggling through months of red tape, I’ve experienced a pretty straightforward process that took less than 6 weeks. What a wonderful Christmas gift!

Connection

I’ve had a very busy week socially, both online and here in Pézenas. I have started to make French friends which makes me very happy. I am more comfortable wading into conversations and am so at ease, I find myself joining in the laughter. It’s possible I’m missing the joke – or maybe I am the joke – but it’s fun!

I have also particularly enjoyed catching up with friends and family via video chats. If there is a silver lining to the pandemic, it’s that people have access to, and are comfortable with, technology.

A tradition continues

In December 2021, following my dog’s death the previous spring, dear friends joined me to sprinkle some of her ashes in one of the planters in the condo garden. We toasted her with whiskey and shed a few tears.

Each Christmas since, we’ve made our way up to the terrace to reminisce and celebrate Dagny’s memory. It’s an act that also celebrates our friendship. Yesterday we shared whiskey and laughs via Whatsapp. I cherish this tradition.

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Song of the week

It took me a while to find the right song for this week. I wanted it to reflect Christian tradition, but didn’t want to post one of the standard carols that we hear all season. Then I remembered this song, recorded by Amy Grant in 1992. It depicts Mary’s perspective which I think is so lovely.

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Photos of the week

Last weekend, Pézenas held a Christmas market in the centre of town. Wandering musicians and fabled characters, tables with crafts, food booths and more. I captured some of the fun, along with a shot of the late afternoon sun shining on the church tower. Pézenas charm.

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The church has a large nativity scene filled with tiny villagers called santons. I wrote about santons in week 10. Below is a photo of the full scene and, in the second photo, I’ve zoomed in to show the crèche. I also love that the Poulain, the totemic animal of Pézenas, makes an appearance.

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And one last photo that is decidedly non-Christmassy. I discovered this daisy on one of my walks this week. I’ve been feeling the wind and chill and was surprised to see a beautifully blooming flower. I’m including it here as an antidote to the winter blues.

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Thank you for reading my blog these last 20 weeks! I’ve heard directly from so many of you and appreciate all the messages and comments. I’m going to forgo next Saturday’s blog in favour of a year-end post on December 31 (what a year it’s been!) before I resume with weekly blogs in January.

Wishing you Merry Christmas et bonnes fêtes! Or simply peace and deep joy if that’s what you need most.

À bientôt .