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We are officially in the middle of the holiday tidal wave. With Halloween and Thanksgiving under our belts, we stare down the challenge of Christmas and get ready to face off with 2023!
There is a new "normal" settling over the holidays for me. Family is gathering, but in little bits here and there instead of the great gatherings of pre-pandemic times. It's a little easier to handle smaller groups after being apart for so long. At least, that is what is happening in my world. I hope your holidays have been enjoyable so far.
The little holly sprig above is a colored pencil piece from 2006 that has enjoyed regular appearances around Christmas in various letters and publications ever since. It is 16 years old—begs the question, is it a classic or is it time for an update?
Cue up The Holly and The Ivy song if you like, but for me a little holly related poetry:
Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind
by William Shakespeare
Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
Thou art not so unkind
As man's ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho! the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
Thou dost not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As friend remember'd not.
Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly:
Then, heigh-ho! the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Poetry courtesy of Poetry Soup and, of course, William Shakespeare. |
