I went to yet another Christmas party this evening. (the last one of the season -as far as work goes!)Very low-key and tame, compared to the ones from last week and this past weekend! So anyway, driving home I remembered that I had not done my Christmas ritual yet. Which is, every December, when the city dresses up for the holidays, I often take long drives around decorated neighborhoods and admire the pretty lights, the nativity scenes, the cheesy Santas and reindeer on the lawns. I never know which area of town I'm going to pass by, I just drive and eventually end up just where I'm supposed to be. Tonight, I was near downtown so I drove in that direction and ooohed and awed at the beautiful trees lit up in so many vibrant colors, and watched as the theatre crowd walked hurriedly in an effort to get to their respective performances. There were also people strolling casually up and down the sidewalks, taking in all the Christmas spirit. Some took pictures, some posed for pictures. Music resonated from a saxophone as a starving musician played for the crowds. Street vendors were in full force, working hard to entice customers to buy their goodies. I found a parking space not too far from the saxophone man and just sat in my car and admired the enormous Christmas tree perched in front of City Hall. Time escaped me when I took these drives. It calmed me and recharged me, and I enjoyed that moment. Sometimes, we're so worried about all the material things that the simple things, escape us. And we miss out. I'm glad I didn't miss out.
Thanks for coming on this drive with me.
12 comments:
That's one of my favorite things to do during the holidays. Thanks for sharing that.
Isn't it just the best feeling? :)
Thats the attitude! Today is my first day back to the blog universe. Trying to play catch up!
sounds just wonderful. We are out tommorow night and I am excited to see all the lights as we drive home
Riding around looking at holiday lights and decorations is an annual ritual that I have enjoyed since childhood, Yvonne. I recently had an experience similar to yours. A 30 foot tree was erected in the square of a modern mall near me, the kind of shopping center that has streets like a small village. The lights on that tree were beautiful and a band was playing nearby. I sat on a bench and watched shoppers strolling by and I experienced peace and happiness. It was unplanned. I just ended up there and became part of a holiday happening. Somehow I felt connected to all of those strangers. Many complain that the Christmas hype and hoopla starts earlier every year, but if it puts us in a collective trance and fills us with love, joy, wonder and a spirit of generosity, then a strong case could be made for starting the season even earlier...December 26th, for instance.
Thanks, Yvonne, great post. I try to appreciate the wonders of this season. I'm glad I found your blog and you found mine. Keep writing!
Julie
driving whether to see lights or anything else is one of my very favourite past times... i love to drive and explore... great post Yvonne!
Oh my gosh good post, I absolutely love this time of the year and especially the way you described it
sanaaliii.blogspot.com
Gosh I thought I was the only who does that. It calms me too!
We love to go driving around town looking at lights. We pick up my mom, buy some hot chocolate and ooh and ahh over the lights. My girls do it with their kids too.
Israel - Welcome back you! Now get to blogging! lol
Mynx- Yay! Hope you enjoy all the pretty lights and decorations!
Shady -eh, you had me until you said starting Christmas over on the 26th! lol
Julie - Welcome! And yes, this season definitely merits our time for admiration and/or reflection!
AG - Right? I love getting in my car and just driving!
SA - Glad you liked it and thanks for the follow! Please do come back!
ST- Welcome! And glad we're not alone in this! lol Come back again!
Belle - It's truly a great thing to do, and doing it with your family is even better!
Sometimes, we all need a little time out for ourselves. It's such a refreshing thing.
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