Many of the “baby-boomer”
generation can clearly or nearly remember visits to a relative’s farm or rural
address where the apparent simplicities of living seemed so unique and so
desirable.
I can recall visits to “Uncle
Charlie’s” where the living room sofa had horsehairs springing out of the
upholstery and the indoor toilet had a truly noisy chain-pull mechanism that
activated the overhead water tank to flush!
Poetically, buzzing bees and
gentle breezes through the grasses sound romantic – but the sights and smells
of country living are incomparable and unforgettable.
Who could forget the burst of
flavour from a just-picked strawberry, or the smell of homemade soup mellowing
on the back burner! My Grandma used to determine whether the wood-fired
cookstove was hot enough for baking bread “ by opening the oven door and
shoving her arm in to “test” the temperature.
The feeling we all cherish of
“coming home” for Christmas – wherever home may be – encompasses the sights, sounds,
smells and flavours - lights on the tree, candles flickering, sometimes
even bells jingling or piano ringing or glasses tinkling; home baking and sideboards laden with yummy
delights.
Wherever your heart may lead
you at Christmas – the tangible spirit of the season is undeniable. Whether sad
heart or glad heart; catch what you can and give back if you are able.
No comments:
Post a Comment