12 drummers, 11 pipers, 10 lords, 9 ladies, 8 maids, 7 swans, 6 geese, 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, and don’t forget the 5 golden rings.  Do you think this is a bit excessive? 

People who know me know that I’m all for glitter and I love this time of year for all of it’s enthusiasm.  My tree shines, my mantels are bedecked, the windows are candled, the French doors have been disco-balled (this you have to see to believe!) – and yet I find I’ve wanted to hold back a bit this year.

Not every table top is laden. I’m perfectly content not breaking out the snowman guest towels.  The evergreens are majectic in their pure “unlit” state.  It’s not that I’ve become Scrooge.  Perhaps I’m feeling more like Tiny Tim – letting the deep mystery and presence of the season fill the space – making room for wonder.

^{(Photo courtesy of Chris Sharp  <p><a href=”http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=330″>Image: Graeme Weatherston / FreeDigitalPhotos.net</a></p>)}