It is, perhaps, a more emotional trip to see a Christmas tree come down than it is to see it go up. I love putting our tree up, especially when we do it together. Right now, though, I’m watching my amazing wife take it down and pack it all up. The love, care, and affectionate deliberateness and purpose that goes into the protecting process moves me deeply. In some ways, it is the story of a family’s life together. It is that way for me and this family. It stands as one of our most precious assets. I know what all of this has come to mean to the four of us. All due credit for this sacred process goes to my wife. My own clumsiness and impatience would yield only brightly colored bits of broken glass. She has the patience and persistence that allows the process to be completed year after year. It all gets packed away in its own dedicated space in the basement. While it sometimes seems as though it is taking over our life, it is in truth, the Chronicle of our life. These are not just artifacts or things. These are the stories and experiences that represents the best of each of us and our times together. Mathematically, I realize we likely have more years behind us than we do in front of us. That doesn’t mean the value doesn’t continue to grow and deepen each year. The items of this decor are not monolithic. There are a million little bits that add up to a love that is monolithic, unbreakable, and everlasting. The value of this is what all people deserve to feel from Christmas. I wish everyone the feelings I have right now. They are strong, beautiful, and so fulfilling. Peace and love and joy to all.
This End Up 