“The Animals’ Christmas Tree” by Beatrix Potter.
Within the apocryphal Infancy Gospel of St. James there is passage which relates a story concerning the Theotokos and St. Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where St. Joseph observes the Virgin crying, and then laughing, which perplexes him. So he asks:
“Mary, what is with you? First your face appears happy and then sad.”
And she said, “Joseph, it is because I see two people with my eyes, one crying and being afflicted, one rejoicing and being extremely happy.” XVII: 8-9 [Translation: Matthews, S]
Such is often the dichotomy of this time of year. For every household in full festive-spirit there is another struggling: either through bereavement, sickness, on deployment in the military, or for the financial difficulties that are all too common, and for some, the simple fact that they are all alone.
Personally, Christmas 2010 was a particularly difficult and painful time for me; each one since has its trials but, for the first time since 2010, I don’t have the sense of expectant-dread. As we grow older there is, for the majority, a mixture of happiness and sorrow at this time.
Design for Hidesheimer & Faulkner, Christmas 1894 cards. Beatrix Potter.
I know several of my readers and clients will find Christmas day itself difficult. Chances are you, too, know someone for whom this day will be trying for the reasons above, or others.
If you do, and you can, do think of giving that person a thought – a ‘phone-call, text, or a visit if you can, would be so appreciated. And I know you’re likely busy. But such a simple acts of munificence and charitableness – as I myself have experienced since starting this blog by many of you – are deeply cherished and appreciated.
So, all that remains is for me to say thank-you, for all your support and kindness throughout these last few years. To all my clients and readers I wish you all, and yours, a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
In friendship,
Andy Boroveshengra.
