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Monday, December 26, 2011

Rumors of Pleasure



Christmas has come, and although her birthday has passed, her perfume still lingers. The tree and trimmings seem a bit rumpled, like a lover waking after a stirring night of romance. Her slightly tousled branches inspire rumors of pleasure; tinsel litters the floors, scattered like clothing tossed during a playful striptease… candy canes on the lampshade. Oh my!

She tells me that she’ll be leaving soon. I cry a little and then I try convincing her to stay, but in my heart I know that it wouldn’t work; after all, how could I concentrate on my job with her traipsing around the place sidetracking me with her surprises and singing. I’d get nothing done. No, she must go.

She likes to withdraw slowly, toning down her voice, until, without noticing, I go through an entire day of jingle-stopping silence; that’s when I realize that she has really gone.



I predict it will be the same this year; Christmas will fade like a full moon eclipsed by New Year’s towering shadows. I’ll run to and fro, as energized as a Double Choka-lotta Espresso, plotting and planning my entire year; creating my own light, showing off a bit, and maybe bragging some too.

But as the cycle continues, and 2012 comes to a close, once again I’ll begin to tire of my routine. Perhaps I’ll lose some confidence on those cold winter nights when time nips at my carefully mapped calendar, threatening the demise of my fragile hopes and dreams.



It is then that I will listen for the faint sound of bells ringing in the chilly distance; that mirthful voice of Christmas calling for me to make all things ready, for her faithful visit is nearing and she carries with her the comforting gifts of love and light.

Thank you Christmas, for inspiring me to be my best. Although I try to hold you closely throughout the year; I already miss you and I can’t help but count the days till your return.

27 comments:

Jessica said...

The passing of Christmas is always bitter sweet. I hope you have a wonderful new Year. :)

Martha Jane Orlando said...

Swept away by your words like snow in a gale . . .

I must confess, I'm not ready to let Christmas go; in the old tradition, I don't take the decorations down until Epiphany. I allow Christmas to linger in my heart just a wee bit longer.

Thank you, Leah, for sharing this beautiful reflection.

Oh, and, Merry Christmas! :)

Kathy said...

As in the lyrics of this song, may we all find (or be???) "a harvester of light..." And as they also sing.... " my words will be your light... " What a lovely song and a beautiful reflection from you... : )

Shreya said...

"A little pain a little pleasure;
a little heaping up of treasure,
then no more gazing upon the sun;
all things must end that have begun."

I guess this quote says it all. "Don't worry 'cause its over, be happy 'cause it happened." :) xx

Anonymous said...

Christmas comes with such a bang and leaves quietly but her essences and spirit lingers making it bitter sweet.... Thank You for sharing this interesting reflection..

Leah Griffith said...

Jessica, I'm sending you the greatest hopes for a fabulous New Year!

Leah Griffith said...

Martha, I'm still holding on to Christmas. My daughter and her family are coming today and we plan on enjoying a belated Christmas together.

Happy New Year Martha;)

Leah Griffith said...

Shreya, I always get a little sad when saying goodbye to Christmas but it doesn't last too long. Wishing you a Happy New Year sweet lady!
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Sparkle, wishing you the best for the New Year!
Thanks for your wonderful insights.
Hugs,
Leah

Leah Griffith said...

Ah Kathy, I can always count on you to cuddle up with me and my words. Thank you for adding your spirit and light.
Peace,
Leah

photos by jan said...

Christmas going back to sleep or another year. Great post. I hope you have a grand New Year.

Anonymous said...

Not to fret, Leah, she'll be back! ;p All the best for the new year!

The Poet said...

Hello Leah.
In a sense, everyday is like Christmas for me because I am thankful to have the gift of life for another day, another year.

Some thought-provoking words here.
May this upcoming year be filled with much laughter, joy & of course an abundance of love.
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the visit too.

JANU said...

Sad that you have to let go of somethings which you treasure most...but, glad that the year always ends on a good note.
Nice post.

Jayne said...

Aw, so sweet, Leah. But I can't imagine that the jingle ever stops for you!

To have the Christmas spirit throughout the new year is my wish for you, and all. :)

And thank you for the introduction to this gorgeous song and Winter Songs. Hadn't heard it before today. Beautiful.

Dangerous Linda said...

awwwww, fond farewells, sniffle, sniffle ...

love the candy can on the lampshade -- haha! of course i just watched 'No Mama and the Broken Candy Cane' at Mommetime, so I was primed ;-) http://mommetime.me/2011/12/no-mama-and-the-broken-candy-cane/

let's at least get through the New Year's party before we start giving up on our 2012 selves, eh? hehe!

Mary Hudak-Collins livingthescripture.com said...

I am one who hates to see Christmas pass. It is always a great time of year for me. But, I realize that once it is over, then a New Year is about to begin, one that is usually filled with new challenges and adventures :)

Anonymous said...

Yep. It still lingers - that Christmas feel. Kind of weird that it isn't 2012 yet. I'm all in a hurry to finish unfinished 2011 things, but I'm even more excited and geared up for what's to come. I really cannot wait.

Excellent post - shared to Twitter.

Corinne Rodrigues said...

What a beautiful ode to Christmas...may it's joy linger the whole year through!

Debanjan said...

Very interesting title of your blog. Would love to be friends with you. Take care Debanjan

Unknown said...

This was beautifully written!

Leah Griffith said...

Happy New Year Jan!

Leah Griffith said...

Sweepy, wishing you the best and the most for 2012!

Leah Griffith said...

Happy New Year Andy, I'm looking forward to reading more of your poetry this year!

Leah Griffith said...

Janu, I think by now we all know that in order to have something more we need to let go of what we had.
Happy New Year honey pie!!

Melissa Tandoc said...

My mom took the Christmas tree down right after January 2 but like Martha, we usually keep it until Epiphany.

Well, Pope John Paul II said, "Everyday is Christmas in the hearts of Christians" ~ it doesn't stop after December 25 :)

I wish you peace, love and joy all throughout your life Leah :*

Leah Griffith said...

Hi Melissa, I haven't taken mine down yet. I hate saying goodbye. I guess I'll take her down this week. I need to remember what Pope John Paul ll says. It's true!
Sending prayers for an amazing year for you Melissa!

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